Abstract: Based on the Baidu index, this paper attempts cross-scale cognition of the physical geographical space and the virtual space of information from individual search actions with integrated methods including network linkage strength, network complexity， and Circos. Further, it interprets the construction of the space of information flows of Yangtze River Delta from a reflexive perspective and evaluates the network resilience of the space of information flows in the region. The main results are as follows: First, the analysis of node hierarchy and density agglomeration demonstrates high network resilience of the space of information flows in the region of Yangtze River Delta, with an overall pattern of “one pole with multiple centers” but with significantly unbalanced density. Second, the analysis of hierarchical transmission and flow matching shows that, on one hand, tourism has higher network hierarchy with the most hierarchical advantages than house prices, weather and talents; on the other hand, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Ningbo occupy a higher level in the space of information flows of the Yangtze River Delta. Among them, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou are the most important nodes for both directions of the information flows in and out. Third, the reflexive perspective exhibits a method for cross-scale geospatial cognition from individual actions to the virtual space of information, and then reflexive to physical geographical space. The network resilience analysis presents that individual actions are territorially reflexive to regional network structure and the resilience of the regional network structure. Moreover, establishing an individual-regional cross-scale spatial linkage through a reflexive perspective contributes to a mutual feedback on the changing individual actions and the regional space, and the analysis of network resilience as an attempt to explore the adaptation to rapidly changing geographical space provides reference for national and regional governance and decision-making.

Key words: reflexive perspective, space of information flows, network resilience, Baidu index, Yangtze River Delta