Path of Rural Sustainable Development Based on the Evolution and Interaction of Rural Functions: A Case Study of Chongqing Municipality, China

In order to investigate the evolutionary characteristics of rural functions and their interaction, 37 districts and counties in Chongqing, China are used as research objects to measure the level of rural functions and analyze the interaction between rural functions using entropy value method and spatial autocorrelation method. The results show that from 2009 to 2019, the three main functions of production, living and ecology in Chongqing’s villages have been greatly enhanced, especially the production function. On the whole, the production and living functions are stronger in the western part, while the ecological functions are significant in the eastern and southern parts of Chongqing, with some differences in local spatial characteristics. This finding is consistent with the regional economic and social development of Chongqing. In addition, the interaction between rural functions is also evident. In general, production and living functions are mainly expressed in synergistic relationships. Ecological and production functions, including ecological and subsistence functions, mainly present a trade-off relationship. The interactions between rural functions also show clear spatial and temporal differences. In addition, different regions have different comparative advantage functions, and in this study, the counties of Chongqing are classified into four types. Policy makers are advised to adopt different measures according to the different types to promote sustainable rural development by coordinating the ‘production-living-ecological’ functions of rural areas. This study reveals the spatio-temporal evolution of rural functions and the interaction between rural functions, which can provide theoretical support and practical reference for rural revitalisation and sustainable development.