The Spatial Organization Pattern of Cross-boundary Areas

Comprehensive Functional Spatial Organization Model

Towns with this spatial organization model are located in the core agglomeration areas of cross-border travel connectivity, characterized by strong internal linkages and significant intercity connections. Both commuting and non-commuting flows exhibit a pattern of "high self-sufficiency-low mismatch." These areas develop along administrative boundaries and major transportation corridors (e.g., the Shanghai-Nanjing High-Speed Railway and Shanghai Metro Line 11 extending to Suzhou), with urban expansion occurring along the edges. They primarily accommodate Shanghai’s low-cost housing demand through real estate development driven by external capital, attracting relocated and migrant populations. These areas include industrial-integrated new towns and urban-rural fringes. In the Shanghai cross-border region, Huaqiao Town and Anting Town, as well as the Dianshan Lake-Xianghuaqiao Subdistrict-Yingpu Subdistrict industrial-urban integration zone, combine residential, industrial, and commercial functions, absorbing spillover production from Shanghai. Meanwhile, Xinbang Town-Fengjing Town-Huimin Subdistrict function as urban-rural transition zones, retaining agricultural production while developing industrial manufacturing, forming a mixed functional belt.

Economic Functional Spatial Organization Model

Towns under this model are primarily industrial parks or economic development zones, featuring strong internal linkages but weak intercity connections. Commuting flows show "high self-sufficiency-high mismatch," while non-commuting flows exhibit "low self-sufficiency-high mismatch." These areas, often economically advanced, face spatial constraints and environmental regulations, prompting industrial relocation to less developed neighboring regions. They form manufacturing clusters, logistics and supply chain hubs, and processing zones. In the Shanghai cross-border region, Taicang Economic Development Zone-Fuqiao Town-Liuhe Town-Huating Town-Lujing Town constitute a cross-border manufacturing cluster, specializing in heavy industry and high-end equipment manufacturing along river ports. Huimin Subdistrict-Fengjing Town-Xinbang Town have evolved into e-commerce logistics centers and cold-chain logistics hubs due to their highway and rail networks.

Transport-Oriented Functional Spatial Organization Model

Towns in this category exhibit weak internal linkages but strong intercity connections, with both commuting and non-commuting flows showing "low self-sufficiency-high mismatch." Leveraging transportation advantages, they develop "station-adjacent employment" spatial forms, extending linearly along transit lines. In the Shanghai cross-border region, areas along the Shanghai-Hangzhou High-Speed Railway (Huimin Subdistrict-Weitang Subdistrict-Fengjing Town) and the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway (Waigang Town-Jiading Industrial Park-Taicang Economic Development Zone) have gradually formed "high-speed rail dual-city living zones" around integrated transport hubs.

Social Functional Spatial Organization Model

Towns following this model are located in underdeveloped suburbs or satellite cities, displaying weak internal travel connections and insignificant intercity linkages. Both commuting and non-commuting flows demonstrate "low self-sufficiency-low mismatch." In the Shanghai cross-border region, examples include Taicang’s Science and Technology New Town, Juyuan New District, and Jiading Industrial Zone, which host universities and research institutions. By integrating Shanghai’s higher education resources with regional industrial demands, they foster industry-academia collaboration, driving knowledge-based economic growth and regional innovation.

Eco-Cultural and Tourism Spatial Organization Model

Towns under this model specialize in low-environmental-impact, high-tech, and high-value-added services. They exhibit weak internal travel linkages but notable intercity connections, with commuting and non-commuting flows showing either "low self-sufficiency-high mismatch" or "high self-sufficiency-low mismatch." Cross-border clusters in this category are often loosely structured and closely tied to natural and cultural landscapes. In the Shanghai cross-border region, representative areas include Dianshan Lake-Qingpu District-Jiashan wetland parks, the Taipu River Basin eco-tourism zone, and historic towns such as Xitang, Zhujiajiao, and Zhouzhuang.

Edited and translated by Cheng Tian