<p>This study examines China’s regional development disparities by employing the concept of industrial tightness to systematically analyze industry structure across various regions in China. Tightness captures an aggregate measure of the interdependence of industries within a region and been shown to be positively correlated with both economic efficiency and vulnerability to shocks. Here we focus on the efficiency impacts of tightness. A community network model of industrial interdependence is constructed to examine the overall industrial network structure in China, with a particular emphasis on the industrial specialization trends in Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Chongqing. Measuring industrial tightness over time, we investigate each region’s temporal dynamics, focusing on possible reasons for the relatively low tightness of Chongqing. Results suggest that Chongqing’s low industrial tightness may be a result of its employment-driven industrial structure, fragmentation of industrial chains, and other influencing factors. Furthermore, from a spatial analysis perspective, the study reveals significant regional heterogeneity in China’s industrial structure. The eastern region, with its well-developed industrial chains and advanced transportation infrastructure, exhibits the highest industrial tightness. The Northeast and Northwest region supported by resource-based industries and government policies, has also experienced an increase in industrial tightness. However, the central region, with its incomplete industrial chains and weak industrial collaboration, demonstrates the lowest level of industrial tightness. Finally, our analysis confirms the positive correlation between industrial tightness and economic productivity found in prior studies. By identifying components of a region’s interdependence network that decrease tightness, this analysis can work as a guide for economic planners seeking to increase the productivity of their regions and enhance balanced regional development.</p>