A TOPSIS METHOD AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS-BASED ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE REGIONS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

This study, based on the TOPSIS method and second-order cluster analysis, comprehensively assesses the quality of life of residents of various regions of China. First, the TOPSIS method determines the distance between each region and the ideal standard of living, after which a quantitative ranking is carried out; then a second-order clustering method is used to divide each region into different categories, which reveals internal differences in quality of life. The results show that developed regions such as Beijing and Shanghai have higher quality of life indicators, while central and western regions such as Hebei and Shanxi provinces have relatively low indicators. Thanks to the combination of these two methods, the study not only makes it possible to accurately assess the quality of life in each region, but also provides a basis for the development of a targeted regional development policy. The study recommends that developed regions continue to promote sustainable development, and medium- and underdeveloped regions need to strengthen infrastructure construction and economic development in order to reduce the gap in the quality of life in the regions and achieve coordinated regional development.