Work

Spatial Structure of Settlements in Mainland China in the Early 20th Century

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Settlements and settlement systems are key arenas of human–environment interaction, and reconstructing their spatial patterns is essential for understanding historical socio-environmental dynamics. Using the Complete Map of the Great Qing Empire (1905), this study employs digital extraction and spatial-statistical analysis to examine the nationwide settlement system of late Qing China. The results reveal that: (1) The system features dispersed high-level settlements and highly clustered low-level ones; provincial and prefectural cities follow administrative divisions, while counties, towns, and villages display strong spatial self-organization. (2) Mid-to high-level systems exhibit hierarchical fractures, whereas low-level settlements conform to Zipf’s law, highlighting the regularity and universality of grassroots networks. (3) Road accessibility, slope, and elevation significantly influence settlement hierarchy, whereas river proximity plays a limited role—indicating greater dependence on transportation and terrain adaptability. Overall, the study elucidates the spatial structure and formative mechanisms of the Qing settlement system and provides empirical insights into the evolution of surface patterns and regional resilience since the modern era.

Source: Land

DOI: 10.3390/land14112245

Authors: Raorao Su, Zhen Zhao

Institutions: Guangzhou University, Renmin University of China

Language: English

Topic: Urban Design and Spatial Analysis

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137