Spatial-Temporal Variations of Rural Residents' Living Standard and Its Influence Factors in China

Balance and fairness of regional development are important issues of regional development theories. Spatialtemporal changes of living standard and patterns of regional differences in rural areas not only have theoretical significance, but are benefit to examine and establish regional developing strategies. The spatial- temporal changes of Engel coefficient, presented by 7 time sections in 1980- 2010, depict spatial- temporal differences of living standard in Chinese rural areas in province level. The absolute Engel coefficient shows obvious decreasing tendency, indicating the improvement of living standard in rural areas. In spatial differences aspects, rural Engel coefficient is always aggregate spatially in the 20 years, but it is relatively unstable comparing to urban areas. On one hand, the areas of high-high value and low-low value are spatially different, on the other hand, the Engel coefficients in some provinces fluctuate over time,spatial auto-correlation shows strong unstable tendency. Spatial-temporal changes of rural Engel coefficient are shaped by response of rural economy to natural conditions, national macro strategies and policies, and other external conditions.Regional policies should adjust promptly according to practical situation of rural areas.