Purpose/SignificanceA metropolis as a core in the rapid advance of urbanization becomes increasingly prominent, and conformity of neiboring cities also shows great significance in regional economic development. So, building "Chengdu-Kunming" Chain in southwest China is quite essencial.

Method/ProcessAs southwest hinterland covers large areas, the research focuses on the layout of the area and the relationship between the neiboring cities based on regional economic theories.

Results/ConclusionThe research finds that Zhaotong's role in such city chain cannot be belittled. As a core, it connects Yibin-north of Zhaotong, Hezhang & Weining-south of Zhaotong, and makes a sector structure, while Yanjin and Zhenxiong develop as secondary centres, or can be considered as connection nodes to link Zhaotong. In "Chengdu-Kunming" city chain, the administrative division limit should be broken in order to develop the area of M, N and W, and construct "fuzzy regionalization". A quadrilateral region is shaped by "Muchuan-Luzhou-Bijie-Zhaotong" with Zhaotong as a center, on the basis of which, an outskirt urban circle is organized by "Qianwei-Rongxian-Luxian-Xuyong-Dafang-Nayong-Liupanshui-Huize". Such is the developping pattern of "extrusion at both ends and expansion in the middle". This innovative pattern of urban system has good operability, can efficiently integrate different levels of centers together, so as to promote regional economic development quality. The research offers significant reference in the practice of constructing regional urban system.