Functional differentiation and configurational improvement pathways of Production-Living-Ecological Spaces in rural counties of Southern Xinjiang

To investigate the level of functional coupling and coordination among the Production-Living-Ecological Space (PLES) in rural counties of Southern Xinjiang, as well as the classification of rural functions and pathways for enhancing their configurations, this study took 42 counties (cities) in Southern Xinjiang from 2010 to 2022 as research units. A multidimensional evaluation index system for rural production, living, and ecological functions was constructed, and analysis was conducted using a combination of methods, including the entropy method, horizontal and vertical comparisons, and fuzzy‑set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results indicate that: (1) The degree of functional coupling and coordination among the PLES in Southern Xinjiang has shown a steady, stepwise increase. Overall, functional values exhibit an upward trend, with rural production functions showing a marked improvement, living functions improving more rapidly, and ecological functions improving more slowly. Spatially, the distribution follows a "higher in the north, lower in the south" pattern, with high-value areas concentrated in the Aksu Prefecture. The scope of high-high clusters has shrunk, forming a pattern of "localized clustering and overall dispersion." (2) Based on the functional values of PLES, rural areas in Southern Xinjiang counties were classified into four types: weakly integrated, dual-function coordinated, single-function dominant, and multifunctional. Among these, the dual-function coordinated (production-ecology coordinated) type has the widest geographical distribution. (3) Diverse configuration pathways, such as scale-driven and density-optimized models, were identified, with analysis revealing that fixed-asset investment and the value added from the secondary and tertiary industries are the core factors driving these patterns. In summary, the findings of this study can support the formulation of targeted policies for PLES functions in Southern Xinjiang's counties, thereby promoting comprehensive rural revitalization and accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas in the region.