Dilemmas, Directions and Paths of Macrocosm Urbanization in Zhejiang Province: An Analysis Framework Based on Agglomeration Index

Abstract

AbstractAs an important carrier to promote macrocosm urbanization, counties carry on the radiate effect of large and medium-sized cities from above and boosts rural revitalization from below. After sorting out the urbanization process of both developed and developing countries, this paper reveals the development dilemmas commonly faced by counties in Zhejiang and other provinces of China and points out that the spatial agglomeration of population and economic activities is the essence of urbanization development. By introducing the analysis framework of agglomeration index, this paper discusses directions of macrocosm urbanization development in county areas and measures the urbanization rates of 52 counties in Zhejiang Province. It is found that the macrocosm urbanization patterns led by the construction of characteristic towns (Tese Xiaozhen), future communities (Weilai Shequ) and beautiful villages (Meili Xiangcun) can not only provide a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the common prosperity demonstration zone in Zhejiang Province, but also provide valuable experience for the new-type urbanization development of China’ coastal provinces and even the developing countries in Africa and Latin America.KeywordsMacrocosm urbanizationAgglomeration indexUrbanization pathsCounty areasZhejiang Province