Abstract: To solve problems of disordered expansion, unbalanced expansion, and inadequate expansion, it is imperative to clarify driving factors of urban construction land expansion. Distinct from previous studies that were lack of theoretical framework and attention to the heterogeneity between cities, this paper takes 35 large and medium-sized cities as research samples, and empirically analyzes differences of the driving mechanism of land expansion in diverse cities. The results show that: first, the income level of residents, the number of urban population and traffic conditions are three important factors affecting the expansion of urban construction land| second, the level of agricultural land rent and the system of land finance with Chinese characteristics have a minor effect on the expansion of urban construction land| third, the driving factors of construction land expansion in various types of cities are significantly different. According to the urban development goals, local governments should focus on enhancing residents' income, attracting talents, and improving traffic facilities in the light of specific conditions, so as to realize scientific and rational urban construction.

Key words: urban construction land, city classification, panel data, metrological analysis