China is currently at a critical juncture in implementing the rural revitalization strategy, with urbanization and tourism development as crucial components. This study investigates 41 counties (cities) in the Wuling Mountain area of central China, constructing an evaluation system for the coordinated development of these two sectors. The coupling coordination degree is calculated using a combination weighting method and the coupling coordination degree model. Spatio-temporal evolution characteristics are analyzed through spatial autocorrelation, while the geographic detector explores the driving factors of spatial variation. The findings reveal a significant increase in coupling coordination between urbanization and tourism, transitioning towards a coordinated phase. Spatially, urbanization and tourism exhibit positive correlations, with high-value clusters in the southeast and northwest and low-value clusters in the south. The geographical detector identifies industrial factors as the most critical drivers of spatial variation. This study offers novel insights into the dynamics of urbanization and tourism, contributing to the broader literature by providing practical implications for regional planning and sustainable development. The results are relevant to the Wuling Mountain area and serve as a reference for similar regions globally. However, the study has certain limitations, such as regional specificity and data availability, which should be considered in the context of this research.

In the context of globalization and urbanization, rural development faces many challenges, such as population loss and uneven distribution of resources. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences in sustainable rural development strategies between China and Europe through a comparative perspective. China has optimized land use by relying on land policy innovations, such as the household contract responsibility system and the “separation of three rights”, as well as the construction of small towns; while Europe focuses on private ownership and market mechanisms, and supports agricultural and rural development through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Using literature review, comparative research and policy analysis, the study shows that the policy innovations in China and Europe, each with its own focus, have been effective in promoting agricultural output and rural social development. Particularly noteworthy is that the “three rights” policy has increased agricultural productivity through the liberalization of management rights, while the European CAP has contributed to the diversification of the rural economy and environmental protection through continuous reforms. This study emphasizes that through policy innovation and international cooperation, combining the strengths of China and Europe, it is possible to provide a new model of sustainable development for the global countryside. Specifically, through the establishment of Sino-European R&D centers for agricultural science and technology, exchange of talents, and cooperation in green infrastructure development, technology transfer and application can be accelerated, cultural exchange and understanding can be promoted, and the sustainable development agenda for global rural areas can be jointly advanced.