The driving forces of urban expansion and environmental impacts in Wuxi, China

Abstract

This paper takes Wuxi as a case study and analyzing the characteristics of urban expansion from the viewpoint of urban scale and urban structure, here we emphasize that urban spatial expansion is not only build-up area increase, but also the change land use structure. We further explain the reasons that have given rise to these changes. We conclude this case study with some observations on the impacts upon Wuxi's environment in the wake of the rapid urban expansion during the last three decades.