Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China

This study focuses on 67 counties in Guangdong Province, China, and investigates the spatial distribution patterns, regional differentiation characteristics, and functional zoning of rural areas based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” (PLE) functional synergy theoretical framework. Multiple quan...

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Main Authors: Hongping Lian, Yuedong Zhang, Xuezhen Xiong, Wenjing Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/995
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author Hongping Lian
Yuedong Zhang
Xuezhen Xiong
Wenjing Han
author_facet Hongping Lian
Yuedong Zhang
Xuezhen Xiong
Wenjing Han
author_sort Hongping Lian
collection DOAJ
description This study focuses on 67 counties in Guangdong Province, China, and investigates the spatial distribution patterns, regional differentiation characteristics, and functional zoning of rural areas based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” (PLE) functional synergy theoretical framework. Multiple quantitative methods, including the entropy method, spatial concentration degree, and functional identification, were employed. Key findings include: (1) Rural functions in Guangdong exhibit significant heterogeneous evolution. Production functions have generally weakened, showing a spatial pattern of “consolidation in the south and decline in the north”. Ecological functions demonstrate a U-shaped recovery trend, with high-value areas concentrating around the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration, indicating effective ecological protection policies. Living functions continue to decline due to population mobility and imbalanced public services. (2) Structural transformation of rural function types occurred: Weakly integrated counties decreased (2010–2019), dual function type counties (production–ecological and living–ecological) significantly increased, and ecology-dominant counties predominated, highlighting ecological polarization under policy interventions. (3) Functional evolution is driven by terrain gradients, policy regulation, and industrial relocation. The research provides empirical evidence for optimizing territorial spatial governance and coordinating urban–rural development. Recommendations include promoting dynamic PLE balance through high-standard farmland construction, ecological industrialization cultivation, and cross-regional compensation mechanisms to facilitate rural revitalization and sustainable development.
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spelling doaj-art-a4f4d755cbe14909bbe695277d097cc82025-08-20T02:34:01ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-05-0114599510.3390/land14050995Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, ChinaHongping Lian0Yuedong Zhang1Xuezhen Xiong2Wenjing Han3Key Laboratory of Natural Resources Monitoring in Tropical and Subtropical Area of South China, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou 510663, ChinaSchool of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaSchool of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaSchool of Government, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaThis study focuses on 67 counties in Guangdong Province, China, and investigates the spatial distribution patterns, regional differentiation characteristics, and functional zoning of rural areas based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” (PLE) functional synergy theoretical framework. Multiple quantitative methods, including the entropy method, spatial concentration degree, and functional identification, were employed. Key findings include: (1) Rural functions in Guangdong exhibit significant heterogeneous evolution. Production functions have generally weakened, showing a spatial pattern of “consolidation in the south and decline in the north”. Ecological functions demonstrate a U-shaped recovery trend, with high-value areas concentrating around the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration, indicating effective ecological protection policies. Living functions continue to decline due to population mobility and imbalanced public services. (2) Structural transformation of rural function types occurred: Weakly integrated counties decreased (2010–2019), dual function type counties (production–ecological and living–ecological) significantly increased, and ecology-dominant counties predominated, highlighting ecological polarization under policy interventions. (3) Functional evolution is driven by terrain gradients, policy regulation, and industrial relocation. The research provides empirical evidence for optimizing territorial spatial governance and coordinating urban–rural development. Recommendations include promoting dynamic PLE balance through high-standard farmland construction, ecological industrialization cultivation, and cross-regional compensation mechanisms to facilitate rural revitalization and sustainable development.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/995rural functionproduction–living–ecological functionsGuangdong Province
spellingShingle Hongping Lian
Yuedong Zhang
Xuezhen Xiong
Wenjing Han
Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
Land
rural function
production–living–ecological functions
Guangdong Province
title Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
title_full Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
title_fullStr Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
title_full_unstemmed Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
title_short Functional Assessment of Rural Counties Under the Production–Living–Ecological Framework: Evidence from Guangdong, China
title_sort functional assessment of rural counties under the production living ecological framework evidence from guangdong china
topic rural function
production–living–ecological functions
Guangdong Province
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/995
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AT yuedongzhang functionalassessmentofruralcountiesundertheproductionlivingecologicalframeworkevidencefromguangdongchina
AT xuezhenxiong functionalassessmentofruralcountiesundertheproductionlivingecologicalframeworkevidencefromguangdongchina
AT wenjinghan functionalassessmentofruralcountiesundertheproductionlivingecologicalframeworkevidencefromguangdongchina