The role of small towns in rural villagers’ use of public services in China: Evidence from a national-level survey

It is widely believed that small towns have been playing a crucial role in rural sustainable development, as they provide most public services for rural residents living in hinterland villages. However, concrete evidence from a national-level analysis based on first-hand survey data is scarce. This paper explores the role of small towns in servicing their rural hinterlands, using nationwide survey data in 31 provinces throughout China. The role of small towns is measured by the mobility patterns of villager in using small-town services, namely, travel purposes and frequency. The results show that small towns are the main destination for access to daily necessities, agricultural trades, non-farm employment, basic education and minor medical treatment for rural villagers. They are universally important in providing agricultural products and daily goods, especially in less developed areas in middle and western parts of China. In developed areas, the role of small towns for non-farm work, schooling, eating out and leisure activities tends to increase. The diverse role of small towns depends mainly on socioeconomic development, urban proximity and public transport infrastructure. High-frequency village-town bus services, diverse land use and a high-quality public service also affect the role of small towns. The research findings will enhance our knowledge of the central function of small towns within the rural hierarchy in a context of developing and fast urbanised countries.