Spatial Connectivity and Network Dynamics of Intercity Mobility During Spring Festival Migration in the Yangtze River Delta: An OD Data-Based Analysis

This research investigates intercity mobility patterns during China's 2020 Spring Festival travel period within the Yangtze River Delta region. Leveraging Origin-Destination (OD) data while integrating spatial autocorrelation analysis, complex network theory, and spatiotemporal coupling methodology, the study systematically deciphers spatial connectivity characteristics and network evolutionary dynamics governing population movements. Key findings demonstrate significant temporal segmentation and spatial heterogeneity: during early migration phases (January 10-16), polycentric networked structures centered on Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou accommodated overlapping commuting and homebound travel demands; as the festival approached (January 17-23), transformative network restructuring transitioned core cities from bidirectional balance toward net outflow dominance, establishing monocentric radial flow patterns directed toward labor-exporting destinations; persistent flow hotspot status in the Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou metropolitan corridor contrasted with entrenched low-low clustering throughout northern Anhui, southern Zhejiang, and peripheral zones, revealing fundamental regional development disparities. Based on empirical insights, this work proposes strengthening multi-center hub development to mitigate flow polarization induced by core-periphery structures, thereby advancing higher-quality integrated regional development while providing scientific foundations for optimizing urban agglomeration transportation governance.