Urban population density and urban sustainable land use-a case study of Guangdong province

Nowadays, in China there is a trend of urban development of low-intensity and decentralization. Blind construction brings the development pattern of decentralization which makes the arable land decrease rapidly. This kind of over development is bound to exert pressure on the arable land, resources and environment in the long term. It is necessary for the government to determine urban development boundary and to prevent urban area over spread. They should also increase the population density in the built-up area and go a sustainable way of smart growth. Firstly, this paper analyzes the effecting factors of urban population density from the perspective of economy, society and environment and builds up a theoretical framework and index system. Secondly, it conducts a case study of Guangdong province and reveals the relationship between the factors and urban population density. Finally, this paper points out that government should accurately judge the real demand of urban land use, utilize the infrastructure investment effectively, promote the industrial upgrade and make the land use policy according to the city size to make sure it goes a sustainable way of social, economic and environmental development.