Necessity and Urgency Study on Promoting Regional Economic and Social Integration in China: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Abstract

Urban agglomerations mirror the highest level of spatial organization in urban development. They are characterized by one or more mega-cities serving as central hubs within a delineated region, upheld by three or more major cities. With advanced transportation, communication, and other facilities as the foundation, these agglomerations establish close spatial and economic ties, achieving a high degree of urbanization and integration. Against the backdrop of global and anti-globalization forces leading to shifts in foreign situations, coupled with domestic economic downturns resulting from changes in pandemic policies, the imperative to form an integrated regional economic society has become increasingly prominent. This study takes the construction and development of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA) as an example, examining the necessity and urgency of promoting regional economic and social integration through the proportional changes in the three major industries of each city. As the earliest and representative urban agglomeration in national planning, the YRDUA serves as an illustrative model. The findings indicate that applying the experiences of regional economic and social integration in the YRDUA to the entire country is representative and offers valuable insights.