The rise of the internet city in China: Production and consumption of internet information

Abstract

From the perspective of internet information production (IIP) and internet information consumption (IIC), we interpreted the spatial patterns of the internet industry in China based on top commercial websites. The findings demonstrated more obvious industrial clustering compared with that in Western countries, highlighting the rise of internet cities in China. The differences amongst diverse website themes generate disparities between IIP and IIC, suggesting future developmental trends of these internet cities. The specialised division of internet cities remains somewhat consistent with the local context. The government plays a key role in the early stage of China’s internet industry, enabling cities involved in internet industry at the initial stage gains first-mover advantages, leading to the uneven patterns of spatial patterns since then. Though the role of government in the development of internet industry should still be emphasised, the success of internet cities finally depends on whether their specialisation meets the market demand.