In the heart of China’s Pearl River Delta, two metropolitan giants, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, are undergoing rapid transformations. A recent study led by CHEN Hongsheng and DENG Shuhan from Shenzhen University, published in ‘Ziyuan Kexue’ (Resources Science) has shed light on the evolving spatial structures of these regions, offering insights that could reshape urban planning and energy infrastructure development.
The research, which spans a decade from 2010 to 2020, reveals a dynamic interplay between core and peripheral areas in these metropolitan regions. By coupling spatial environment data with human social activities, the team identified primary and secondary core areas and classified peripheral zones into four distinct types: suburban residential, industrial and logistics parks, agricultural and ecological protection, and emerging development or transitional mixed.
The findings highlight a stark contrast between the two regions. Guangzhou’s core area expanded through a process of near-boundary filling, maintaining a relatively stable spatial pattern. In contrast, Shenzhen’s core area grew in a corridor-like fashion, stretching towards the northeast of Shenzhen City and central-eastern Dongguan City, forming a strip-continuous spatial form. “This corridor-like expansion in Shenzhen is particularly interesting,” notes LI Zheng, a co-author of the study. “It suggests a more linear, connected growth pattern, which could have significant implications for energy distribution and infrastructure development.”
The classification of peripheral areas provides a nuanced understanding of the regions’ development. In Guangzhou, the northeastern side of the primary core area is predominantly agricultural and ecological, while the southwestern side is transitional mixed. Shenzhen’s peripheral areas, however, are more complex, primarily distributed in Huizhou City. This complexity could present both challenges and opportunities for energy sector investments, as the varied land uses may require tailored energy solutions.
The study’s use of the coupling coordination degree model offers a novel approach to urban planning. By identifying high-quality coordinated areas that cluster in city centers and expand from the center to the periphery, the model provides a roadmap for optimizing spatial resource allocation. This could be particularly beneficial for the energy sector, as it highlights areas where energy infrastructure can be most effectively deployed.
The research also underscores the importance of strengthening core-periphery connections and implementing differentiated strategies for coordinated development. For the energy sector, this means not only investing in core areas but also considering the unique needs of peripheral zones. As CHEN Hongsheng puts it, “Understanding the spatial dynamics of these metropolitan regions is crucial for sustainable development. It’s not just about where to build, but also about how to connect and optimize resources.”
As Guangzhou and Shenzhen continue to evolve, this research could shape future developments in urban planning and energy infrastructure. By providing a detailed analysis of spatial forms and expansion patterns, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and energy sector stakeholders. The findings could influence everything from renewable energy projects to smart grid implementations, ensuring that these rapidly growing regions are not just expanding, but also evolving sustainably.