The Digital Divide Between Urban and Rural Areas in China
Article

The purpose of this study was to analyse the digital divide between urban and rural areas in China, and the impact of this divide on regional socio-economic development. This study utilised a mixed-methods approach. . The results indicate substantial differences in internet accessibility, with urban regions exhibiting a penetration rate of 85.1%, in contrast to rural regions at 60.5%. Digital literacy is significantly deficient in rural areas, with 56.1% of rural residents lacking fundamental digital competencies, hence impeding their capacity to fully participate in online education, healthcare, and e-commerce platforms. Moreover, rural areas get little advantage from digital technology, intensifying socio-economic disparities. Notwithstanding efforts by the Chinese government and private enterprises to enhance internet accessibility via infrastructure enhancement and literacy initiatives, obstacles like cultural opposition, economic impediments, and age-related limitations remain. The research indicates that closing the digital divide requires multifaceted interventions that tackle infrastructural deficiencies, improve digital literacy, and execute customised activities that account for cultural and economic obstacles in rural regions.