This book consists of 69 interviews, ,reflecting a wide range of personal experiences between 1978 and 1990. In these personal interviews, Chinese people talk about both the ordinary and extraordinary events in their lives.Through this fascinating collection of personal anecdotes, readers will get inside glimpses of China in the course of great social transformation brought about by reform and opening up. All the interviewees related their experiences, joys, sorrows, challenges, grievances and hopes, in a candid manner.

This book consists of 69 interviewsreflecting a wide range of personal experiences between 1978 and 1990. In these personal interviews, Chinese people talk about both the ordinary and extraordinary events in their lives.A poor farmer on the Loess Plateau says that all he needs is water to have everything in rife. A prisoner, convicted for a number of crimes, talks about his own childhood misfortunes. A Guangdong hairstylist working in Beijing and a self-em ployed taxi driver in Shanghai both frankly admit that their goals are to make money; an accomplished Shanghai portrait photographer discloses that he wishes to do nude photography before his retirement; and a woman pilot says the only regret in her life is that as a pilot she cannot wear her beautiful hair long These were the people one might have come across in any city, town or village in any part of China. All the interviewees related their experiences, joys, sorrows, challenges, grievances and hopes, in a candid manner.

Through this fascinating collection of personal anecdotes, readers will get inside glimpses of China in the course of great social transformation brought about by reform and opening up.

CIVIL SERVICE

 Zhang Dakuan: Prison Warder

TEACHING

 Zhang Jing: Kindergarten Teacher

 Jin Kaicheng: University Professor

 Xiao Wenxin: Rural Primary School Teacher

LEARNING

 Yuan Jun: Vocational School Student

 Cheng Ming: University Student

PROSPECTING AND RESEARCH

 Chang Chengfa: Geologist

 Geleg: First Tibetan Ph.D. in China

 Zhou Gengfeng: Prospector

 Ding Jian: Agronomist

 Chen Chongshan: Pollster

 Xie Xialing: Former Red Guard

WRIIALNG

 Yang Laishun: Poet

MEDICAL CARE

 Yuan Fang: Obstetrician

 Tang Yongqun: Chiropodist

 Du Shuying: Nurse

MANAGEMENT

 Zhou Qifa: Factory Manager

 Liang Zheng: Dog Manager

ON FARMS AND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

 Wu Fengqi: Farmer in the East

 Deng Jianrong: Poor Farmer

 Yu Youfu: Pearl Culturist

 Yu Ronggen: Village Head

 Tang Jingen: Farmer-Worker

 Kadt Khan: Kazak Herdsman

 Zhao Guopei: Farmer-Turned Book Trader

INDUSTRIAL TRADES

 Meng Maying Weaver

 Du Jiating: Contract Laborer Abroad

 Lai Xiaomao: Blind Worker

 Nan Zhigang: Goldsmith

 Deng Maohua: Union Leader

SALES

 Xiao Bingyuan: Ex-Government Official

ON THE MOVE

 Xie Zhansan: Seaman

 Chen Kexiong: Captain on the Yangtze River

 Lin Muwang: Fisherman

TRANSPORT

 Xue Wenshu: Air Force Pilot

 Wang Lianying: Air Stewardess

 Chen Shaowen: Train Conductor

 Zhang Baoqing: Bus Conductor

 Li Duofu: Self-Employed Taxi Driver

 Wang Fugen: Pedicab Driver

PUBLIC RELATIONS

 Tian Ye: Public Relations Specialist

INTERPRETING

 Gao Zhikai: Interpreter

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

 Li Yaying: Neighborhood Committee Head

INTERMEDIARY

 Liu Benren: House-Swapping Middleman

CHEF

 Cai Zenglian: Roast Duck Chef

HOUSEKEEPING

 Zhang Yexiu: Ayi

CLEANING

 Zhang Jianzhong: Latrine Cleaner

RELIGION

 Wu Baozhen: Iman

 Zhou Jinfu: Taoist Priest

 Qin Honghong: Christian Minister

REPAIRING

 Zhao Zhenmao: Antique Restorer

 Liu Pinyi: Watchmaker

FASHION AND BEAUTY

 Yu Qin: Fashion Model

 Song Fusheng: Fashion Designer

 Wang Zhihua: Hairdresser

ENGINEERS

 Sun Jicheng: Engineer at a Satellite Launching Base.

 Ren Shiyao: Sunday Engineer

TELEVISION

 Feng Chaoneng: TV Relay Station Technician

 Jia Yuxiang: TV Reporter

PHOTOGRAPHY 

 Shen Yutang: Studio Photographer

PERFORMERS

 Cui Jian: New-Wave Rock Star

 Yang Liping: Dancer

ATHLETE 

 Gao Fenglian: Woman Judoist

RETIREES

 Ren Wenming: Bicycle Repaima. an

 Wang Zhichang: Retired Cadre

OTHERS

 He Xuewen: Migrant Carpenter

 Ma Yanlong: Mortician

 Ma Zhixin: Prisoner

 Abel Emitti: Kebab Vendor