Identify Optimization Type of Rural Settlements Based on “Production–Living–Ecological” Functions and Vitality: A Case Study of a Town in Northern China
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
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Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript deserves to be published in its current form.
Rural settlements are evaluated according to their "production-living-ecological" functions and vitality. Also, the methodology could be followed for future territorial planning in rural areas.
Introduction, state of the art, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions are suitable and excellently written.
Maybe the inclusion in the state-of-the-art of some classic research and approach of rural geographers from the "french school" about similar topics: rural settlements, could enrich the research.
Also, the inclusion of rural areas, in a global countryside (Woods, 2012), must be included in the state of the art, and in the limitations of the research. Definitively, rural settlements are influenced by external factors, and not only the internal features characterize and influence in these communities.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
This paper deals with an interesting issue about the relationship between function and vitality of rural settlements in China. The paper is well written, well structured, with sound methods and presentation. The findings are also highly relevant to contemporary rural development in China.
Minor issues include:
1. the methods can be more detailed and better structured. Research method like PRA should be more specifically introduced, rather than just mention it.
2. The classification scheme refers to policy documents including the national rural revitalization strategy plan and local ones, while readers, particularly readers outside of China do not understand these policies. therefore some introduction of these policies should be added in proper positions.
Overall, it is a well-drafted paper. Good luck.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
