Population distribution characteristics and spatial planning response analysis in metropolises: A case study of Beijing

Abstract

Focusing on trends in population and the causes of overpopulation, we analyse the distributional characteristics of the population in cities around the world. We analyse the countermeasures in spatial planning of various urban areas, which lays the foundation for our case study of Beijing. Beijing, which has unique attributes as the capital of China, faces challenges regarding population control and realization of the Main Functional Area Planning. We focus on the question of how spatial planning can help control population and the realization of urban functions in metropolises such as Beijing. We find that main functional area planning played a role in achieving the main functions and controlling the population of Beijing. Also, controlling the industrial structure is effective in changing population structure for metropolises such as Beijing. In addition, using guidance from spatial planning, we suggest establishing new urban areas or constructing new cities to form a multi-centre structure, to plan for old town renovation, and to improve the construction of the road infrastructure system.