Spatial imbalance of Chinese seafood restaurants and its relationship with socioeconomic factors

Rising incomes and urbanization have led to an increase in global seafood consumption. Using big data pertaining to the seafood restaurants in 332 Chinese mainland cities, this study analyzes the factors characterizing the spatial imbalance of the restaurants in these cities to identify the driving factors behind the imbalance. We find: 1) The distribution of seafood restaurants and dishes has obvious hierarchical differences and spatial imbalance tendencies; although seafood consumption is increasing in areas further from the coastal cities, seafood restaurants are still concentrated in coastal cities. 2)The difference in the number of seafood restaurants across cities is significantly higher than that of dishes, and the “cluster” phenomenon is more significant. 3) The results from testing the spatial econometric model show that differences among consumer groups, urban land rent, economic scale, and distance from coastal areas are the key factors driving the spatial imbalance of seafood restaurants. Urban traffic accessibility significantly affects the number of seafood dishes, and the temperature difference caused by the urban underlying surface and natural climate also affects consumers' preference for seafood catering. The main reason for these phenomena is the spatial and temporal differentiation of urban elements and the non-equalization of external factors brought about by diversified expansion. [Display omitted] •The spatial imbalance of the seafood restaurants in 332 Chinese cities is analyzed.•Seafood consumption areas are moving further from coastal cities.•Differences among consumer groups, urban land rent, and economic scale are critical.•Urban traffic accessibility significantly affects the number of seafood dishes.•Temperature differences also affect consumers' preference for seafood catering.