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Has the construction of China's high-speed rail stations exacerbated Urban Sprawl? An empirical analysis based on nighttime lights and population distribution data
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DOI：10.1016/j.retrec.2026.101766.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
The extensive development of China's high-speed rail (HSR) network has strengthened economic connections between cities and significantly influenced the internal spatial structure of urban areas. Using nighttime light (NTL) data and population distribution data from 287 Chinese prefecture-level cities (2011-2019), this research empirically examines the effects of HSR stations construction and their external connectivity intensity on urban spatial structure, while exploring the mechanisms exacerbating urban sprawl. The study finds that: (1) HSR stations' construction generally accelerates low-density urban expansion, exhibiting features of phased urban sprawl. Robustness tests confirm the validity of these results. (2) The impact of HSR on urban sprawl varies according to urban characteristics, station locations, and service frequencies. In the eastern regions, medium and smaller cities, and cities with higher economic levels, the impact of HSR on sprawl is more significant. Cities with stations situated farther from city centers and those with fewer HSR services, indicating weaker external connectivity, experience more significant sprawl. (3) Within the context of land financing, urban governments strategically use HSR station placements to spur rapid development of suburban land, resulting in excessive urban land expansion and exacerbating sprawl. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the spatial organization of cities along HSR corridors and fostering a more integrated approach to HSR development and urban planning.
Keywords:
High-speed rail
Urban sprawl
Nighttime light data
Spatial structure
Land financing
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