The Spatial Evolution of the Pearl River Delta City Region

Administrative division adjustment is not only the result of urbanization,but also an important indicator to glimpse and measure the development stage of urbanization.With the line of division's adjustment,we reviewed the spatial evolution processes,and summarized the features of Pearl River Delta city region from a historical perspective.Since the reform and opening up policy,the spatial evolution of the PRD can be divided into three stages: from single central cities to town city concentrated area,from town city concentrated area to urban agglomeration,from urban agglomeration to megalopolis(or metropolitan interlocking area).The Spatial evolution features include introducing from outside and establishing domestic connections elements configuration mode,the bottom-up internal expansion space evolution model,and the dual track regional governance evolution paths both with the formal adjustment of divisions and the informal regional coordinating mechanisms.With the rapid development of urbanization,Pearl River Delta urban region should gradually changes from administrative economy which emphasis inter-city competition to metropolitan governance which promote cooperation.