TITLE:
Measurement and Spatial Evolution of the Coupling Coordination among Ecological Civilization Construction, Tourism Industry, and High-Quality Economic Development in China
AUTHORS:
Huan Wang, Quanxi Feng
KEYWORDS:
Ecological Civilization Construction, Tourism Industry Development, High-Quality Economic Development, Coupling Coordination
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Statistics,
Vol.16 No.3,
May
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: Based on panel data from 31 provincial-level administrative divisions in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan region) from 2000 to 2024, this study employs the coupling coordination degree model and the standard deviation ellipse method to systematically examine the coupling coordination level and spatial evolution characteristics of ecological civilization construction, tourism industry development, and high-quality economic development. The findings are as follows: 1) The coupling degree among the three systems remains persistently high, ranging from 0.752 to 0.910 over the long term, while the coupling coordination degree increases only from 0.209 to 0.310, indicating a structural dilemma characterized by “high coupling but low coordination”. 2) The coordination level across these 31 provincial-level administrative divisions exhibits a pattern of “high in the east and low in the west, with widening disparities”. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu constitute the first tier, while western regions such as the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province remain locked in low-value zones over the long term. 3) The coordination degree in all four major regions shows a continuous upward trend; the eastern region takes the lead in entering moderate disorder, the central region registers the largest increase, while the western region remains in extreme disorder. 4) Spatial evolution exhibits a northeast-southwest orientation, with the azimuth angle decreasing steadily. The ellipse first becomes more circular and then more elongated, while spatial disparities first converge and then diverge. The center of gravity covers the three major coastal economic circles. This study reveals the underlying characteristics of close systemic interconnections yet lagging coordination, providing empirical evidence for regionally coordinated development policies.