The Character and Economic Preference of City Network of China: A Study Based on the Chinese Global Fortune 500 Enterprises

Abstract EN

Based on the data of Chinese enterprises that entered the Fortune 500 list in 2015, this paper utilizes the eclectic model to construct the inter-city association network.

Using the network analysis method, the spatial connection characteristics of 311 inter-city networks at prefecture level and above and 20 urban agglomerations networks in China are examined, respectively.

The research found the following: (1) the overall connectivity of city network is poor, the centripetal concentration is strong, and the network is not complete.

The city network structure shows three tendencies, with a concentration in political centers, a concentration in coastal areas, and a concentration in resource-based cities.

The external economic dependence of each node city in national city network is high, and the city network structure has distinctly flattening characteristics.

(2) Network function of cities is obviously different in multiscale region.

Large cities and regional centers have more balanced function systems than the small- and medium-sized cities do.

(3) The network of urban agglomerations is characterized by decentralization of power, differentiation of status, and dependence on external connections.

The radiation effect of three major urban agglomerations in coastal China is strong, but the radiation effect of other urban agglomerations needs to be strengthened.

(4) Both city networks and agglomeration economies have positive impact on economic growth of the city.

The economic performance of city networks is differentiated between urban agglomeration cities and nonurban agglomeration cities, as well as between cities of different scale levels.

This study provides new evidence for understanding the spatial relations and expansion of Chinese city networks.