Population urbanization and urban-rural income gap affect each other. Based on prefecture-level data of urbanization rate and urban-rural income ratio in mainland China, we examine this mutual impact by conducting three econometric models, including ordinary multiple linear regression (OLS), simultaneous equation model (SEM) and spatial simultaneous equation model (SSEM). We suggest that spatial simultaneous equation model (SSEM) should be used because of the simultaneity and spatial autocorrelation between urbanization rate and urban-rural income gap. The regression results show that the urbanrural income ratio decreases when the local and surrounding areas are more urbanized. And high urban-rural income ratios in surrounding areas inhibit the urbanization process in the local area. Moreover, economic development and the promotion of human capital contribute to higher urbanization level and lower urban-rural income ratio. Based on these results, policy implications are discussed on how to narrow the urban-rural income gap at the broad spatial level and to increase human capital through educational development.

Based on the 2000 and 2010 census data of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megacity regionthis paper uses the ESDA method to analyze the spatial pattern of urbanization rates as well as its changes at county level By applying Spatial Error Model and GWR method both global and local driving forces of urbanization are investigated in this region The main results are as follows The urbanization rate of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megacity region at county level manifests a significant pattern of spatial aggregation which is gradually strengthened The increase of urbanization rate shows a pattern of convergence and areas where the urbanization rate is high have positive impact on the nearby areas where the urbanization rate is low For areas where the urbanization rate is increased the distribution of high value of rural contribution share is similar to that of areas which are in low urbanization rate Economic level industrial structure medical and education level and terrain condition have significant effects on the urbanization level of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megacity region Each driving force has a unique distribution of incidence pattern for different areas．