Empirical research on economic development of Eastern three metropolitan areas in China

After thirty years' reform opening, the eastern three metropolitan areas which are Beijing-tijian-hebei delta, Yangtze river delta and Pearl river delta have very important weight on the economic development in china. They are typical areas for economic development in china. By using panel data from 1990 to 2009, it is found out that the main forces driving economic development of eastern three metropolitan areas have great difference and change with different time period. Economic development of Beijing-tianjin-hebei delta is dominated by government fo rce, those of Yangtze river delta is dominated by open economy and market force, and those of Pearl river delta is dominated by open economy with policy guidance. It can be said that urban development path of eastern three metropolitan areas are unique and different.