The Governance Path of Urban–Rural Integration in Changing Urban–Rural Relationships in the Metropolitan Area: A Case Study of Wuhan, China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This study has investigated the urban-rural spatial characteristics of the Wuhan metropolitan and put forward a spatial structure mode. Although the research topic is very interesting, there are some problems in the research contents. The details are as follows:

1.    It is suggested to cite more articles in recent years especially in introduction.

2.    It is necessary to keep consistent use of word. Therefore, those words, for example,  “physical space” (page 2, line 62), “placement space” (page 5, line 165) and “place space”.

3.    English writing needs to be improved. For example, 1) the completeness of some sentences: page 2 line 97-9, “The rise of the concept of ”post rural" and the criticism of the concept of urban-rural development”; 2) the ambiguous reference : page 5, line 174, “it” ; 3) the wrong words: page 11, line 395&397, “The first platform”, “The third type of market” should be replace with “The one platform”, “The three types of market”.

4.    Page 5, line 192: Please explain why “Wuhan metropolitan area is a typical sample case of urban-rural integration research” .

4.    The typesetting of Figure 2 should better be adjusted.

5.    Page 7, line 251: The number of the title should be checked.

6.    Page 7, line 252: Other 5 subtitles of 3.3 and 3.4 are all nominal phrase except the first one of 3.4. Making a certain adjustment would be better.

7.    Figure 7 contains 4 different pictures. So, would it provide a more intuitive and clearer way to read and understand for readers if there’s a corresponding label for each picture.

8.    Part 4.2 mainly introduces the regional functional zoning of the metropolitan area. The author uses large place to explain the four zoning, causing the neglect of the function and meaning of this zoning method.

9.    Generally speaking, the conclusion section is to discuss and explain the research findings, and make some summaries. However, the conclusion section of this article is more like suggestion and lack of concluding content.

 

Author Response

1. It is suggested to cite more articles in recent years especially in introduction.

We have checked the references and enriched them with over 20 pieces of recent publications and international perspectives. Especially in the introduction section, there are 15 more references.

2. It is necessary to keep consistent use of word. Therefore, those words, for example,  “physical space” (page 2, line 62), “placement space” (page 5, line 165) and “place space”.

We opt for “placement space” and checked the word consistency throughout the manuscript.

3. English writing needs to be improved. For example, 1) the completeness of some sentences: page 2 line 97-9, “The rise of the concept of ”post rural" and the criticism of the concept of urban-rural development”; 2) the ambiguous reference : page 5, line 174, “it” ; 3) the wrong words: page 11, line 395&397, “The first platform”, “The third type of market” should be replace with “The one platform”, “The three types of market”

We corrected the errors pointed out by the reviewer and have the manuscript proofread by the MDPI English language editing.

4. Page 5, line 192: Please explain why “Wuhan metropolitan area is a typical sample case of urban-rural integration research” .

Wuhan metropolitan area is one of the most developed metropolitans in Central China. It undertakes the function of food production and is located in the Jianghan Plain, where high-density villages are located. It is typical in both urban and rural functions. In the revised manuscript, we further clarified the choice of case area in the introduction section and section 3.2 accordingly.

4. The typesetting of Figure 2 should better be adjusted.

5. Page 7, line 251: The number of the title should be checked.

6. Page 7, line 252: Other 5 subtitles of 3.3 and 3.4 are all nominal phrase except the first one of 3.4. Making a certain adjustment would be better.

4-6 We corrected the errors and inaccuracies pointed out by the reviewer.

7. Figure 7 contains 4 different pictures. So, would it provide a more intuitive and clearer way to read and understand for readers if there’s a corresponding label for each picture.

Each picture now has a corresponding label.

8. Part 4.2 mainly introduces the regional functional zoning of the metropolitan area. The author uses large place to explain the four zoning, causing the neglect of the function and meaning of this zoning method.

We improved section 4.2 Regional functional zoning with heterogeneity and complementarity. As suggested, we deleted unnecessary term explanations and clarified in detail the functional divisions of metropolitan areas in three measures: 1) taking the planned functional areas as units; 2) optimizing agricultural land and rural construction through land regulation; and 3) Improving the zoning and classification system.

9. Generally speaking, the conclusion section is to discuss and explain the research findings, and make some summaries. However, the conclusion section of this article is more like suggestion and lack of concluding content.

We revised the conclusion section by enriching the concluding remarks and lessening the suggestions. The concluding section now has three parts: 1) urban-rural equivalent and integration development is an important part of regional integration development; 2) global coverage, zoning guidance, and collaborative governance are the main ideas for the spatial governance of metropolitan areas; 3) the urban-rural integration of the Wuhan metropolitan area adopts the mode of "zoning planning – normalized governance".

Reviewer 2 Report

The reviewed article raises the interesting issue of urban-rural relations and integration on the example of the Wuhan agglomeration in China.

The strong point of the article is its background and theoretical context. The presented issues are rooted in various urban theories and concepts.

However, the article does not compare the observed elements of urban-rural relations in the Wuhan agglomeration with other areas in the world (e.g. agglomerations in Europe or the USA), where similar phenomena occur. The lack of such a comparison does not allow us to assess whether the observed features of the studied phenomenon are global or individual. The article also lacks recommendations for local policy based on the conducted analysis and theoretical argument. Before publication, the article should also be checked from the workshop side (there are linguistic and punctuation errors, e.g. line 251).

 

Summing up, the article constitutes a significant contribution to the description of the phenomenon of urban-rural integration. However, the presented issues must be referred in a wider global context to be published.

Author Response

However, the article does not compare the observed elements of urban-rural relations in the Wuhan agglomeration with other areas in the world (e.g. agglomerations in Europe or the USA), where similar phenomena occur. The lack of such a comparison does not allow us to assess whether the observed features of the studied phenomenon are global or individual. The article also lacks recommendations for local policy based on the conducted analysis and theoretical argument. Before publication, the article should also be checked from the workshop side (there are linguistic and punctuation errors, e.g. line 251).

In the introduction section, we add a summary of the characteristics of rural settlements in Southeast Asia and East Asia and introduce the research findings of McGee, Ginsburg, Firman, and other scholars on the suburban areas of Asia. In the fourth section, we explain the OECD policies on rural sustainable development. In addition, the fourth and the fifth sections discuss the specific policies and guidelines of the planning practice in the Wuhan metropolitan area, including the long-term mechanism of village-enterprise cooperation, the division of 307 functional groups, and the establishment of a list of normalized space coordination mechanism.

Our manuscript has also undergone English language editing by MDPI.

Reviewer 3 Report

General Note

As conceptual research, this article lacks universal theoretical foundations. The concepts developed are not accompanied by universally applicable scientific references. The article's authors have not been able to communicate this research well to international readers outside China. There is no adequate comparison with relevant issues and concepts outside China. International readers will find obstacles to benefit from this article because of the weak universal perspective of this study.

 

Special note

1. As the main keyword, the concept of "urban-rural integration" requires critical and in-depth theoretical exploration and needs to be compared with a universal theoretical perspective. For example, how is it different from well-known theoretical concepts such as urban-rural linkages, urban-rural disparities, urban-rural bias, urban-rural continuum, desakota, and others.?

 2. What is meant by "discrimination and government path"? Explain the various theoretical foundations of urban-rural governance on a global scale and explain the specifics of China and then Wuhan from the perspective of universal theories.

3. The number of references used in this study is still too small, especially references from outside China, which can help lay the foundation for universal theories that are well known to an international audience.

4. In explaining the "discrimination and governance path," the authors should also study cases in various countries and universal views, such as those developed by the OECD (2006, 2016) for cases in Europe and OECD member countries. Alternatively, also compared with the specifics of urban-rural metropolitan cases in East, Southeast, and South Asian countries (Monsoon Asia) as described by McGee, Ginsburg, Douglass, Firman, Murakami, Rustiadi, and others.

5, Table 1: column "Representative Theory" requires complete reference sources

6. Technical explanations for the analysis do not accompany the spatial illustrations, as shown in Figures 3 to 7.

Author Response

1. As the main keyword, the concept of "urban-rural integration" requires critical and in-depth theoretical exploration and needs to be compared with a universal theoretical perspective. For example, how is it different from well-known theoretical concepts such as urban-rural linkages, urban-rural disparities, urban-rural bias, urban-rural continuum, desakota, and others.?

The integration of urban and rural areas is oriented towards the whole region and all villages within the metropolitan area, to promote the two-way flow of population, industry, information and other elements between urban and rural areas. Urban rural linkages, urban-rural continuum, Desakota, and other concepts focus on rural development in peri-urban areas. It can be said that urban-rural integration is a further exploration based on the existing classical theories. We explained this point in detail in the introduction section.

2. What is meant by "discrimination and government path"? Explain the various theoretical foundations of urban-rural governance on a global scale and explain the specifics of China and then Wuhan from the perspective of universal theories.

We revised the title to "The governance path of urban-rural integration in a changing metropolis: a case study of Wuhan, China" to avoid miscomprehension. The focus is on the evolution of urban-rural relations in China and the exploration of urban-rural integration in metropolitan areas.

3. The number of references used in this study is still too small, especially references from outside China, which can help lay the foundation for universal theories that are well known to an international audience.

We have checked the references and enriched them with over 20 pieces of recent publications and international perspectives.

4. In explaining the "discrimination and governance path," the authors should also study cases in various countries and universal views, such as those developed by the OECD (2006, 2016) for cases in Europe and OECD member countries. Alternatively, also compared with the specifics of urban-rural metropolitan cases in East, Southeast, and South Asian countries (Monsoon Asia) as described by McGee, Ginsburg, Douglass, Firman, Murakami, Rustiadi, and others.

In the introduction section, we add a summary of the characteristics of rural settlements in Southeast Asia and East Asia and introduce the research findings of McGee, Ginsburg, Firman, and other scholars on the suburban areas of Asia. In the fourth section, we explain the OECD policies on rural sustainable development.

5, Table 1: column "Representative Theory" requires complete reference sources

We add the reference sources as requested.

6. Technical explanations for the analysis do not accompany the spatial illustrations, as shown in Figures 3 to 7.

Illustrations are now cross-referenced with the correct location in the text.

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

1. The authors have responded and improved significantly on the corrections and criticisms that I conveyed earlier, especially by adding various relevant scientific references that are relevant and contextual for international readers

2. Even so, scientific references related to metropolitan governance are considered lacking, especially in the context of comparison with the concepts and practices of integrated urban-rural governance in metropolitan areas in various relevant countries. What are the similarities and differences between the concept of governance with other East and Southeast Asian countries (and possibly South Asia) and differences with other parts of the world?

3. To prevent misunderstanding, the writer needs to clarify the meaning and context of "metropolitan" in this research.

4. Lines 40-41: "This phenomenon is common in East and Southeast Asia." Some scholars also view similarities with densely populated countries in South Asia (McGee, 1991) and Asian monsoon countries (Rustiadi et al., 2015; 2021).

5. Line 165-167: "Representative Theory" in the last column in Table 1 should detail related scientific reference sources

6. Line 373-465: The discussion in chapter 4 has not yet interacted with theories and concepts as in Chapter 1. What is the relationship between the discussions in this chapter and existing concepts and theories?

7. Line 466-519 (Conclusion): For readers outside China, it is essential to emphasize the difference between the "governance path of urban-rural in metropolitan areas" in China and other countries. More specifically, is there specificity in the Wuhan case compared to other Chinese Metropolitans?

8. Line 483-485: "The metropolitan is the key practice area.....". This statement implies that urban-rural integration is only relevant in metropolitan areas. Is that true?

Author Response

Point 1:The authors have responded and improved significantly on the corrections and criticisms that I conveyed earlier, especially by adding various relevant scientific references that are relevant and contextual for international readers

Responds 1：Thank you very much for your comments.

Point 2: Even so, scientific references related to metropolitan governance are considered lacking, especially in the context of comparison with the concepts and practices of integrated urban-rural governance in metropolitan areas in various relevant countries. What are the similarities and differences between the concept of governance with other East and Southeast Asian countries (and possibly South Asia) and differences with other parts of the world?

Responds 2: We add a paragraph of relevant literature about metropolitan governance to the introduction section, pointing out that metropolitan areas have become a new type of spatial form of urbanization in East Asian countries. Coordinated spatial governance helps to achieve urban-rural integration. We also refer to the practice in metropolitan areas in the UK, the US, and Germany. Metropolitan governance in these countries focuses on information and cultural exchange, infrastructure service sharing, economic integration and political integration. However, due to the uneven opportunities for rural areas to participate in decision-making in metropolitan governance, rural areas are still in a relatively weak and neglected position. Especially in Asian countries, the urbanization process will continue in the vast rural areas for a long time. The urban-prioritized urbanization strategy is less effective when dealing with rural development. More targeted urban-rural integration policies should be adopted to achieve the coordinated and integrated development of urban and rural areas in the metropolitan area.

Point 3: To prevent misunderstanding, the writer needs to clarify the meaning and context of "metropolitan" in this research.

Responds 3: We clarified the definition of metropolitan areas in the seventh paragraph of the introduction section. With the development of regional theory, the scope of metropolitan areas is expanding. The metropolitan area referred to in this paper refers to the urban and rural regional system composed of large central cities, their surrounding small and medium-sized cities, and rural areas.

Point 4: Lines 40-41: "This phenomenon is common in East and Southeast Asia." Some scholars also view similarities with densely populated countries in South Asia (McGee, 1991) and Asian monsoon countries (Rustiadi et al., 2015; 2021).

Responds 4: We revised these sentences as requested.

Point 5: Line 165-167: "Representative Theory" in the last column in Table 1 should detail related scientific reference sources.

Responds 5: We added the references as requested.

Point 6: Line 373-465: The discussion in chapter 4 has not yet interacted with theories and concepts as in Chapter 1. What is the relationship between the discussions in this chapter and existing concepts and theories?

Responds 6: The introduction section reveals that there is a growing awareness of the significance of urban–rural integration. However, issues of discoordination, blurred functional areas, and the neglected rural perspective remain. In section 4, we further clarify the problems of urban–rural integration in metropolitan areas: (1) the spatial guidance of metropolitan areas is weak; (2) urban–rural integration appears sometimes in a way that urban functions replace rural functions; and (3) the phenomenon of rural population loss has not been improved. The following paragraphs then put forward the hierarchical planning system of the Wuhan metropolitan area that focuses on the point-axis structure, functional zoning, and a resilient network.

Point 7: Line 466-519 (Conclusion): For readers outside China, it is essential to emphasize the difference between the "governance path of urban-rural in metropolitan areas" in China and other countries. More specifically, is there specificity in the Wuhan case compared to other Chinese Metropolitans?

Responds 7: We add a paragraph explaining the characteristics and peculiarities of China’s context and the specific conditions of the Wuhan metropolitan area. We also indicate that the Wuhan metropolitan area can serve as a reference for many development-oriented metropolitan areas in China.

Point 8: Line 483-485: "The metropolitan is the key practice area.....". This statement implies that urban-rural integration is only relevant in metropolitan areas. Is that true?

Responds 8: The metropolitan area is one of the key practice areas of urban–rural integration. We paraphrased the sentence to avoid misunderstanding.