Shifting Centers of Gravity: Analyzing the Changing Patterns of Population and Economy in China

Abstract

This study examined: 1) the shifting patterns of population, economy, and center of gravity in each industry using the regional center of gravity model, and 2) the socioeconomic factors influencing the economy and population in China using the geographic detector model. Several major findings included the following: First, the population and economic gravity center have shifted generally to the southwest. The centroid of gravity model can capture the changes in regional disparities from a dynamic perspective and visualize the changes over time. Second, while both the primary and secondary sectors have transferred their centers of gravity to the northwest, the tertiary sector’s center of gravity has shifted to the southwest. Third, educational resources, financial distribution, and the tertiary sector have a substantial influence on economic growth, whereas the impact of financial distribution, educational resources, and the secondary sector on population density growth is relatively significant. This study contributes to offering valuable insights into the changing patterns of population, economy, and industry in China, as well.