Towards differentiated development policies for mountainous areas: A spatial analysis of mountain distribution and characteristics in a geographic region

Abstract

Scientifically defining the scope of mountain distribution and understanding the spatial patterns of mountainous areas in China is critical for formulating development policies tailored to the diverse needs of different regions and promoting rural revitalization in mountainous areas. This study aims to scientifically define the scope of mountain distribution and understand the spatial pattern characteristics of mountainous areas in China to aid in the formulation of differentiated development policies and support the rural revitalization strategies of mountainous areas. Using measurements of the areas of mountains and hills in Mainland China, and drawing on European scholars' definitions of mountain cities, a classification system of mountainous areas was constructed based on the proportion differences between hills and mountains within counties. The results showed that hills and mountains were widely distributed across 81.52% and 85.35% of the 2847 total counties in China, respectively. Moreover, 14 provinces accounted for over 90% of the mountainous area, and 5 provinces accounted for 100%. These findings indicate that China's provinces have obvious mountainous characteristics, which need to be considered in policy‐making for regional development.