Spatial Layout of Linear Cities in Eastern Region of Northwest China

Eastern region of northwest China includes Shaanxi, Ningxia Hui Nationality Autonomous Region and the area to the east of Lanzhou city, Gansu Province. Most of the region is covered by Qinling mountains and Loess Plateau that is a crisscross network of gullies, Urban land for construction shows a form of ribbon, thus creating a large number of linear cities. In this paper, based on the theories of linear city which is Matas classic theory of urban form , and based on linear cities status and trends of development in eastern region of northwest China, we put forward the concept of "organic growth" and "dynamic growth" into linear citiesstudy. Based on this, the paper combines with examples of typical cases, to explore a new form of linear cities spatial layout which combine dispersal and compaction, and not only give full play to Linear Cities advantages, but also as far as possible to avoid the disadvantages ,with the aim of changing the passive situation in the development of these cities .