The Influence of Built Environment onWalking Behavior: Measurement Issues, Theoretical Considerations, Modeling Methodologies and Chinese Empirical Studies - Space-Time Integration in Geography and GIScience - page 64

Many Chinese metropolitan areas average 200-250 persons per hectare, with local
urban densities reaching much higher figures. Megacities like Shanghai and Beijing
are among the densest urban areas in the world (Yang and Gakenheimer 2007 ).
In Hong Kong's urbanized areas, dwelling density reaches over 1,250 units per
hectare; this is in stark contrast to European cities, where inner-city areas rarely
exceed 125 residential units per hectare (Cerin et al. 2011 ). In such a high density,
however, less than 10 % of the urban land is used for road infrastructure in most
pre-reform Chinese cities. Hence, overconcentration is a potential problem affecting
individual travel and urban transport. The distance-saving benefits of high densities
will probably be offset by the congestion stemming from overconcentration (Jiawen
Yang et al. 2011 ). Yang et al. ( 2011 ) have confirmed that neighborhoods with
relatively high densities do not necessarily have lower drive commute percentages.
It seems difficult to strike a balance between high density and overconcentration in
China.

5.5.2 Pilot Studies in Chinese Cities

5.5.2.1 Pilot Studies and Stage Results

Typical empirical studies in China are summarized in Table 5.1 , and several findings
can be observed. First, pilot studies are mainly conducted in megacities such as
Beijing and Shanghai. Fewer cases are found in medium-sized cities. Second, the
built environment is usually measured objectively. Regression models are adopted
to reveal and forecast the behavior. Internal human psychology factors are rarely
considered. Third, job-housing balance and commuting behaviors are the major
focuses rather than non-work behavior. The mismatch of jobs and housing spaces in
these studies is believed to be a main reason for traffic congestion during rush hour
(Zhou and Liu 2010 ;Zhaoetal. 2011 ). Finally, most of these studies are carried out
by Western-trained and foreign scholars.

5.5.2.2 Learning from China's History

China has a longer urban development history than most developed countries.
Rather than borrowing ideas from the West, China may be better off learning
from its own history. Recent urban development has departed significantly from the
traditional compact, mixed-use settings with most activities within walking distance
that used to characterize Chinese cities. Neighborhoods in China have continuously
evolved and undergone several major societal and institutional transformations,
including the declined work-unit compounds ( danwei ), the courtyard in Beijing,
the Linong in Shanghai, and the newly raised xiaoqu and shequ . In China, walking
and bicycling have a long tradition. Jiang found that old neighborhood forms