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Although mixed land use is an important way to improve land-use efficiency and stimulate socioeconomic vitality, there are few systematic analyses of mixed land use in rural settlements. This paper proposes the connotation and measurements of mixed land use in rural settlements, considering both land-use diversity and compatibility. Case studies of Tangwei village (a tourist village), Guxia village (a commercial village), and Fulong village (an industrial village) in Dongguan City, Pearl River Delta, China, are chosen to analyze the characteristics of mixed land use in different types of rural settlements using field research, POI data capture, GIS, and remote sensing techniques. The results indicate that: (1) In 1978, 2005, and 2020, the degree of mixed land use in the rural settlement of Tangwei village was 0.68, 0.84, and 0.96, respectively, reflecting an increase of 41.17%; in Guxia village, it was 0.69, 0.86, and 0.84, respectively, growing and then declining, yielding a total increase of 21.73%; in Fulong village, it was 0.74, 0.82, and 0.89, respectively, reflecting an increase of 20.27%. (2) In 1978, 2005, and 2020, the land-use diversity of Tangwei village was 0.44, 0.94, and 0.92, respectively, representing a 109% improvement; land-use compatibility was 0.68, 0.72, and 0.96, respectively, with an increase of 41.17%. The land-use diversity of Guxia village was 0.46, 0.76, and 0.78, respectively, with an increase of 69.57%; land-use compatibility climbed by 24.64% from 0.69 to 1 to 0.84. The land-use diversity of Fulong village was 0.53, 0.83, and 0.88, respectively, which increased by 66.03%; land-use compatibility was 0.74, 0.81, and 0.89, respectively, which increased by 20.27%. (3) The mixed land use of Tangwei village is primarily influenced by policy support, resource endowment, and industrial foundation. The primary drivers of Guxia village are policy support, geographic location, and industrial foundation. Policy support, resource endowment, and industrial foundation are the most critical factors in Fulong village. Ultimately, land-use diversity and compatibility determine the mixed land use of rural settlements. This study offers suggestions for village planning, rural industrial development, and enhancing the living environment in China. • A conceptual framework of mixed land use in rural settlements was established. • The characteristics and driving forces of mixed land-use evolution in rural settlements were revealed. • Considering land-use diversity and compatibility improved the measurement of mixed land use. • Mixed land use of rural settlements can promote the coordinated improvement of villagers' living conditions and rural industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]