1. The abolition of the succession system in 1986 broke the traditional career inheritance model, created conditions for the free flow of talents and fair competition, and promoted social vitality and development.
2. Private cars began to appear in 1990: This marked a major change in the way people travel, improved the convenience and mobility of life, and also promoted the development of related industries.
3. The abolition of the food coupon system in 1992: This marked China’s further transition from a planned economy to a market economy, with material supply becoming more market-oriented and people having greater freedom in their food choices.
4. In 1997, SOE reform began, resulting in a large number of layoffs: This was an important measure for economic system reform. Although it brought difficulties to some workers in the short term, in the long run it promoted the modernization and competitiveness of SOEs and also prompted the gradual formation of the labor market.
5. The abolition of welfare housing distribution in 1998: This initiated the process of housing commercialization, promoted the prosperity of the real estate market, and changed people’s housing concepts and consumption patterns.
6. The growth of mobile phone penetration in 2001: It has greatly changed the way people communicate and socialize, making information transmission more convenient and efficient, and also laid the foundation for the development of mobile Internet.
7. The abolition of agricultural tax in 2006 has reduced the burden on farmers, promoted agricultural development and rural stability, and is an important policy to benefit farmers.
8. Cars began to become popular in 2007, further improving transportation convenience, but also posing new challenges to urban planning, traffic management, etc.
9. In 2008, housing prices suddenly began to rise: this had a profound impact on people’s lives, increasing the cost of buying a house. It also boosted the development of real estate-related industries, but it also caused some social problems.
10. WeChat social networking started in 2011: It changed people’s social patterns and communication methods and became an indispensable part of people’s lives.
11. Online shopping became popular in 2013: it made shopping more convenient and diversified, broke geographical restrictions, and consumers had more choices, but it also brought an impact on traditional business.
12. The two-child birth policy was relaxed in 2016: This will help adjust the population structure and ease the pressure of an aging population, but the actual effect still needs further observation.
13. The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 has had a huge impact on the world, and the lives of ordinary Chinese people have also undergone major changes, including travel restrictions, changes in working methods, and increased health awareness.
14. House prices began to plummet in 2022: This has had a significant impact on the real estate market and related industries. Some home buyers may face the risk of shrinking assets, but it also provides some people with opportunities to buy a house.
15. In 2023, the term “pre-prepared meals” appeared in the public eye: it reflects the accelerated pace of people’s lives and changes in consumption concepts, providing people with a convenient dietary option.
These major events have had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Chinese people at different times and shaped the development trajectory of Chinese society. Of course, there are many other events that have also had an important impact on the lives of ordinary people, and these are just some of them.
