Realistic characteristics and driving mechanisms of pseudo-human settlements in Chinese cities

Pseudo-human settlements (PHS) reflect the subjective wishes and needs of residents. An in-depth characterization of PHS aids in clarifying the actual development needs and future development directions of the city from the residents’ perspective. China is currently undergoing high-speed urbanization and advocates improving the quality of cities. It is particularly important to test the achievements of urbanization through PHS. This study quantitatively analyses spatiotemporal characteristics and the realistic driving mechanism of PHS in 286 Chinese cities through spatial autocorrelation analysis and geographic detectors. The results indicate that (1) the PHS level exhibited notable hierarchical characteristics and spatial differences (high in the eastern coastal regions and low in the western inland regions), with weak positive autocorrelation characteristics; (2) nighttime light index, per capital GRP, and population size are major drivers of heterogeneity of development level and functional structure of PHS; and (3) the functional structure followed an emergence-development-maturity-decline-extinction life cycle. Overall, the development of PHS must play a leading role in high-level areas, and urban decision-makers should clarify and adapt to local preferences of PHS and predict future changes. The findings of this study can help China and other countries promote realistic development by unveiling the characteristics of PHS.