A socio-spatial exploration of rural livability satisfaction in megacity Beijing, China

Abstract

Building livable rural settlements has been an important goal in China's rural revitalization strategy. However, few studies have conducted to explore the livability of rural areas in the metropolitan area like Beijing. This study establishes a comprehensive index system from a socio-spatial perspective to examine the rural livability and its influencing factors in Beijing, using the structural equation model (SEM). Empirical data was collected from 466 respondents in Beijing’s twenty-five villages between October 2021 and February 2022. The results suggest that, in general, respondents are moderately satisfied with rural livability, and mountain residents tend to have higher satisfaction levels than residents in plain areas. SEMs analysis reveals significant associations between the five dimensions of rural livability (including infrastructure condition, village appearance, economic burden, social atmosphere, and public service level) and overall satisfaction. Public service level emerges as the most important determinant. Then, mediation effects are also identified. Specifically infrastructure condition and environmental quality can influence overall satisfaction by affecting village appearance, while public service level indirectly influences overall satisfaction through the mediation of social atmosphere. Additionally, there are differences in the impact of the factors influencing rural livability between the plains and the mountains, with the mountainous region experiencing a greater influence from multiple factors. The article contributes to the academic discourse on rural livability by providing empirical evidence on determinants of satisfaction in metropolitan area such as Beijing. The findings provide insightful policy suggestions for improving rural livability.

Keywords

• Public service
• Social atmosphere
• Rural livability
• Satisfaction
• Determinants
• Structural equation model (SEM)