4.2.5. Spatial Change of the Rural Settlements from 2000 to 2020

The effective implementation of measures, such as "one house for one family" and "connecting increase and decrease", has curbed the expansion of rural settlements. The area of rural settlements in each township has shrunk significantly, and the spatial pattern of rural settlements has changed from disorder to order. The spatial distribution of changes in rural settlements in Dingzhou was mainly based on the retreated pattern, merge pattern and urbanisation pattern from 2010 to 2020 (Figures 5 and 6). From 2010 to 2020, the area of rural settlements increased by only 105.84 ha, and the proportion of land used remained at about 15%. The area of rural settlements in Dalu Zhuang Town and Dongwang Town decreased significantly, and the average annual growth rate of Daxin Zhuang Town, Gaopeng Town, Liqin Gu Town, Xizhong Town, and Xingyi Town dropped significantly, indicating that these towns have shrinking settlements. The growth rate of the other towns slowed from the previous period, with the highest growth rate in Zhoucun Town, at only 1.35%. The merger of rural settlements occurred mainly in Dongting Town, Xicheng Town and Liqin Gu Town. Gaopeng Town and Liqin Gu Town are on larger scales, have better economic conditions, and have begun to transform their rural settlements into urban land.
