Is China Heading Towards Multi-Polarization?

Based on two unique and most recent databases of prefectural household income and per capita GDP, this paper investigates the problem of inequality and polarization in China. By using the General Entropy Measure with different regional classification, the results show that either on more aggregate level or basic inter- and intra-provincial level, the intra-group inequality persistently dominated the growing total inequality. Rural-urban disparity still remains and is enlarging over times. The results of polarization analysis find that similar regions/provinces in terms of economic development have relatively similar pattern to evolve over years, whereas the pattern of developed and less developed regions/provinces generally differ significantly, and resulting a sharp (enlarging) divide, indicating a position of multi-polarization has emerged