Abstract: On the basis of the comprehensive measurements of the levels of basic public services of all the cities in Sichuan by using the projection pursuit model, we analyze the spatial pattern of the level and development difference of basic public services and the driving mechanisms of the spatial pattern in Sichuan. This study indicates that although the developments of some cities are undulate, the overall trend of the level of basic public services in the cities in Sichuan is going up, and Chengdu and Panzhihua have always been on the top of the level list. From the perspective of spatial pattern, the levels of basic public services in the areas along Baoji-Chengdu and Chengdu-Kunming railway lines are significantly higher than in the other regions. The levels in the eastern areas are generally higher than in the western areas. The development tendency of the levels of basic public services among all the cities in Sichuan is balanced, and it does not show significant "Matthew effect". Driving mechanism analysis shows that the policies and government action on the development of basic public services have the function of macro guidance; the economic and social development is the main driving force; and the restrictive effect of the natural and geographical conditions is weakening with the development of society and economy.

Key words: Sichuan, basic public services, projection pursuit model, spatial pattern, driving mechanism