This paper evaluates the high-quality development (HQD) levels of 19 provincial units in China's Yellow River Basin (YRB) and Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2010-2019. An evaluation system encompassing innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development is used, employing the entropy weight TOPSIS model. The Obstacle Degree Model identifies hindering factors. Results indicate increasing HQD indices in both regions, with YREB showing significantly higher levels than YRB. Openness and innovation are identified as primary obstacles, though their impact is decreasing. Green development is a key bottleneck for YRB, particularly in its upper and middle reaches.

Xiaolin Yang, Zengwei Feng, Yiyan Chen