The ancients said: "Thirty years is one generation; predestined kings only succeed after thirty years through a benevolent reign." It is right to expound the glorious course of China’s 30 years of reforms and opening-up. We believe that the best way to comprehend a period of history is to provide a record of the lives of various people in this period. To keep these memories alive, on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the reforms and opening-up, we have compiled and published this book which truly and visually reflects the transformation of China’ s society over the past 30 years.

It is said that the profound changes to Chinese society resulting from China’s economic development during the past 30 years have exceeded those throughout the previous several thousand years. This remark is very interesting. Maybe it is improper to oversimplify the differences between periods of history, but the experiences acquired and accomplishments made in our successful transformation from the socialist planned economic system to the market economic system are evidently unparalleled. In fact, it is a constituent part of history. So long as we continue to be blessed with a broad vision, an open mindset and the entrepreneurial sprit of the past 30 years, China will amaze the world by creating even more miracles during the next 30 years. Despite hardships, we will remain true to our beliefs.

Yuan Geng

  At the Starting Point of the Reform

Cui Jian

  The Idol of One Generation

Wang Jiacong

  A Teacher’s 30 Years

Guan Geng

  A Veteran Construction Engineer Who Helps Change Beijing

Jiang Ping

  Shouting out for Rights

Zhang Yiqing

  "Old Shanghainese" Gets Lost in Pudong

Li Huanying

  "Crazy" about Lepers for the Rest of Her Life

Kong Xiaoning

  A Globetrotting Chinese Journalist

Kang Houming

  From a "Migrant Worker" to an NPC Deputy

Sonata Tenzin Qopei

  Introducing Tibetan Culture to the Interior

Liang Congjie

  I Have Seen a Green China

Li Ling

  Once a Doctor, Always a Doctor

Wang Zhenghua

  Dancing at the Intersection of Tourism and Aviation

Sha Zhiming

  A Life Devoted to the Teapot

Ma Shengli

  From Successful Contracts to a Placid Life

Tan Dun

  Freely Travelling Between Eastern and Western Music

Wang Jianwen

  A Bus Rider’s Six Moods over a 30-year Period

Wu Renbao

  Finding a Village’s Path to Wealth

Wang Shuguang

  Witnessing the Changes in Zhengzhou

Tan Chuanhua

  Creating a Brand Name "Single-Handedly"

Xie Changjin

  "Life is Changing and Weddings are Changing"

Yang Lan

  Resuming Her Old Career as a Presenter

Wang Shengying

  Teaching -- The Long March of a Disabled Teacher

Zhang Yimou

  Since 1978

Zhou Yucun

  Reborn after the Earthquake

Zhang Guoxi

  Turn Wood into Gold

Jia Guohua

  Living Beside a Venue of the Olympic Games

Li Ning

  From a Champion to a Billionaire

Liu Yonghan

  Perseverance Has Brought What I Have Today

Xu Yulin

  From Metropolis to Border Town

Postscript