Key Points:
- Stark contrast between life in the 1980s and modern China
- Material scarcity paired with strong spiritual optimism in the reform era
- Reform and opening up as the core driver of economic transformation
- Dramatic improvements in living standards and social welfare
- Technological innovation reshaping daily life and national development
- Expanded personal choice and opportunity for pursuing better lives
More than forty years ago, China stood on the threshold of a new era. The fresh breeze of reform and opening up had just begun to sweep across the land, injecting unprecedented vitality into this ancient nation. The 1980s was a decade of relative material scarcity but abundant spiritual hope. Looking back at that time and comparing it with China today, we can deeply feel the earth-shaking changes brought about by reform and opening up.
The 1980s: Simple Life and Budding Hope
For many who lived through the 1980s, the memories are often painted in black and white or faded colors.
Economically, people’s incomes were generally low. Urban residents mostly worked in “work units” (danwei), earning fixed wages. Ration coupons for grain, cloth, and cooking oil were daily necessities, limiting consumption and dictating daily life. Owning the so-called “three rounds and a sound”—a “Forever” (Yongjiu) or “Phoenix” brand bicycle, a Shanghai brand watch, a Butterfly brand sewing machine, and a Red Lantern brand radio—was a symbol of wealth that many families dreamed of.
Regarding lifestyle, tube-shaped apartment buildings and single-story houses allocated by work units were the primary residences for urban families. Several generations often squeezed into cramped spaces, and sharing kitchens and toilets with neighbors was the norm. The bicycle was the undisputed “national vehicle.” In the mornings and evenings, the torrent of bicycles flowing through city streets created a unique landscape. Dining tables were relatively simple; having a meal with meat during holidays was a great satisfaction.
In the social environment, cultural and entertainment life was far less rich than it is today. Black-and-white televisions had just begun to enter a few households. Neighbors gathering together to watch TV dramas like The Legendary Fok or The Legend of the Condor Heroes remains a warm, collective memory. Open-air movies, listening to the radio, and reading novels were more common pastimes. The entire society was permeated with an atmosphere of simplicity, diligence, and yearning for the future.
The Brilliant Achievements of Reform and Opening Up: The New Face of China Today
Starting from the 1980s, after more than forty years of rapid development, China has transformed into a completely different world.
The economy has taken off. Ration coupons have long become exhibits in history museums, replaced by mobile payments and advanced e-commerce. Per capita income has grown significantly, and consumption is no longer about satisfying basic survival needs but pursuing quality and individuality. Cars have shifted from luxury items to standard tools for many families, while high-tech products like smartphones, drones, and smart home devices have integrated into ordinary people’s daily lives. China has become the world’s second-largest economy, deeply integrated into the global industrial chain.
Quality of life has improved comprehensively. The tube-shaped buildings and single-story houses of the past have been replaced by towering skyscrapers and spacious, bright commercial housing. The transportation network extends in all directions; high-speed trains connect cities at astonishing speeds, making long-distance travel easy and fast. Food culture has also undergone tremendous changes; people not only eat to be full but also seek to eat well and healthily. Food delivery platforms make tasting global cuisine something that can be achieved with just a tap of a finger.
The social environment changes with each passing day. The internet and smartphones have completely revolutionized how people access information and entertainment. Short videos, live streaming, and social media have formed a new cultural landscape. Educational resources are more balanced, with nine-year compulsory education fully popularized and higher education becoming accessible to the masses. The medical security system continues to improve, with a universal health insurance network providing a solid shield for people’s health.
Technological innovation leads the future. From technology adoption in the 1980s to independent innovation today, China is at the forefront of the world in fields such as 5G communication, artificial intelligence, manned spaceflight, and mobile payments. Technological innovation is not only a new engine for economic growth but is also profoundly changing all aspects of social governance and people’s lives.
Conclusion: The Unchanging Original Aspiration Amidst Changing Times
From the simplicity and purity of the 1980s to the prosperity and diversity of today, China has walked a magnificent path of development. Behind this huge transformation lies the immense energy released by the crucial decision of reform and opening up. It has not only brought about an economic miracle but, more importantly, it has greatly improved the quality of life and well-being of hundreds of millions of Chinese people, giving them the right to more choices and the freedom to pursue their dreams.
Looking back, we are proud of our achievements; looking forward, this history written by struggle and change will continue to inspire us to move toward an even brighter future.