Scale, distribution, and pattern of mixed land use in central districts: A case study of Nanjing, China

• The research used quantitative method to study mixed land use (MLU) of central district in micro-perspective.
• It combined a dynamic with a static perspective to study the spatial-temporal pattern of MLU.
• The paper proposes overall development, spatial distribution, spatial pattern regularity of MLU.
• MLU was influenced by high land prices, land development models and land policy.

Mixed land use (MLU) promotes urban diversity and vitality as well as high population density, especially in a city's central district, which tends to have the most concentrated MLU distribution. However, the existing planning management system in China does not define MLU nor provide a corresponding management model, making the development of China's MLU highly individualized. In the 30 years since its reform and opening up, owing to the country's rapid urbanization and transformation to a market economy, MLU has evolved. In order to identify the essential characteristics of this development of MLU, this paper uses the case of the Xinjiekou central district of Nanjing city to study the scale, distribution, and pattern of MLU. Methodologically, it uses detailed data from every five years between 1978 and 2008 and analyzes the spatial-temporal patterns and driving forces that characterize this 30-year period in which MLU presents a marked growth trend. The results suggest three main findings. At the scale level, the degree of MLU has risen, although the function of such land use has maintained a steady percentage. At the distribution level, MLU has gradually agglomerated towards central and high-traffic accessibility areas. At the pattern level, MLU has displayed higher plot strength, building height, and land density. Finally, it is shown that the emergence of MLU has been influenced by land price fluctuations, land development models, and land policy.