Abstract: The development of Central Jilin Urban System is of strategic significance for advancing new urbanization in Jilin Province and promoting northeast revitalization. From the perspective of the interaction between cities and counties, based on the multi-index data, time distance data, and train frequency data of 26 cities and counties in Central Jilin Urban System, the entropy TOPSIS method, the gravity model, and the social network analysis method are used to analyze the spatial economic connections and network structure of cities and counties. The study shows that:1) Single-polarization of Central Jilin Urban System is prominent. The level of economic comprehensive development reflects the characteristic of the attenuation from the urban area of Changchun to the surrounding area. 2) The economic connection intensity of the top 2, 5, and 10 cities and counties in Central Jilin Urban System is characterized by "high contact proximity and low linkage, loose distribution" and a cross-shaped development axis is prominent globally. The urban connections are more prominent and low connections in other cities and counties restrict the process of integration and urbanization locally. 3) The FPI index of the entire urban system is 0.101, which presents the characteristic of absolute dominance. The radiation influence of Changchun City is insufficient. The regional node cities are underdeveloped. 4) The Central Jilin Urban System can be divided into 4 city groups. The midwestern region has an obvious characteristic of centripetal concentration. Cities and counties in the northwestern region have outstanding collaboration effect. The internal and external connections of Jilin City are obvious in eastern region. The southern region has great development potential. The research results provide scientific reference for urban agglomeration construction and regional economic layout optimization.

Key words: Central Jilin Urban System, economic connection, regional economic integration, pole-axis, network structure