Research on the Hierarchical Spatial Structure of the Urban Agglomeration of the Yellow River Ji-Shaped Bend

Despite the rising interest in understanding the various uses of space of flows, few studies have combined the traditional static urban development level with dynamic space of flows concepts. In the context of the coordinated development of the urban agglomeration of the Yellow River Ji-shaped bend (UAYB), this study identifies the hierarchical spatial structure of the UAYB through a combination of Baidu migration big data and traditional data. The following conclusions can be drawn. (1) The cities with the strongest regional comprehensive power are Ordos, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Yinchuan, and Yulin, which cause the UAYB to present a significant “center-periphery” spatial pattern. (2) The biggest population flows mostly occur between cities in the same province, while interprovincial population flows mainly exist between cities with the strongest comprehensive power. (3) The hierarchical spatial structure of the UAYB forms a multitree structure, with Ordos as the core. (4) The attractiveness of the UAYB is very weak, being only slightly attractive to individual surrounding provinces, while the population outflow index to economically developed areas is high. Several policy implications are proposed, which can provide important insights for planning intercity connections among the UAYB, in order to achieve more coordinated regional development.