Editor's Note:
The last four decades have been an epic adventure for China, composed of countless heartwarming stories of hundreds of millions of Chinese. It is the spirit of each of them seeking inspiration that made China what it is today. These unforgettable moments offer a glimpse into China's changes over the past 40 years.
1980: China approves the establishment of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. 
1982: Deng Xiaoping meets UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Beijing. 
1983:The first batch of migrant workers go to Beijing to find a job. 
1985:A million troops are cut to accelerate economic development. 
1987:Senior citizens, who previously opposed “spiritual pollution,” go disco dancing. 
1988:“Science and technology are primary productive forces,” says Deng Xiaoping. 
1990:At the end of 1990, the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges open. 
1992:In the spring of 1992, Deng Xiaoping makes his famous southern tour. 
1995:China starts implementing the strategy of rejuvenation by promoting science and education. 
1997:Hong Kong returns to the motherland. 
1998:The domestic J-10 fighter jet makes its maiden flight. 
1999:Macao returns to the motherland. 
2001:China becomes a member of the WTO on December 11, 2001. 
2003:Chinese rock band Beyond holds a concert in Guangzhou on November 15. 
2004:Shanghai’s first maglev train begins full-day trial operation on January 29. 
2005:Shenzhou VI, China’s second human spaceflight, is launched on October 12. 
2007:China hosts the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup September 10-30. 
2008:The Olympic Games is held in China for the first time in August in Beijing. 
2010:Shanghai holds Expo 2010, with a record-setting 73 million people visiting. 
2012:China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning is commissioned to the PLA Navy. 
2015: China’s first large domestic commercial jetliner C919 rolls off the assembly line. 
2018:The first China International Import Expo is held in Shanghai.
