Abstract: The paper constructed coupling evaluation index system of rural vitalization and rural tourism. Based on the data from 2013 to 2020, the spatio-temporal coupling development characteristics of rural vitalization and rural tourism in Anhui Province were analyzed by means of the coupling coordination model. The results show that the comprehensive development level of rural revitalization and rural tourism is on the rise, and shows regional imbalance. Since 2016, rural revitalization has played a leading role in rural tourism. In terms of time, the coupling degree of the two systems has gone through three stages of near maladjustment, good coordination and high-quality coordination. At present, the coupling correlation is strong, and the coupling coordination degree has gone through five stages of moderate incongruity, approximate coordination, primary coordination, intermediate coordination and good coordination. The coordination degree needs to be further improved. In terms of space, affected by such factors as location conditions, socio-economic level and cultural heritage, the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree of the 16 cities in Anhui Province show a spatial distribution pattern in which the central and southern regions are higher than the northern region, with obvious spatial differentiation. In the future, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the factors including resources, industry and culture of each city to promote the coordinated development of the two systems.

Key words: spatio-temporal coupling, rural revitalization strategy, rural tourism, Anhui Province