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Later the system, described by then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping as "a great invention of Chinese farmers", was widely adopted across the country and triggered economic reform.
Over the past 30 years, the country witnessed significant changes in comprehensive national strength, people's living standards and international influence thanks to the reform and opening-up policy.
China's share of the world's combined gross output rose to 6 percent at the end of 2007, compared with just 1.8 percent in 1978when its reform and opening-up began, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Fast economic growth over the past 30 years lifted China's GDP ranking in the world from 10th in 1978 to fourth after the United States, Japan and Germany
According to the NBS, China's per capita income jumped to 2,360U.S. dollars in 2007 from 190 U.S. dollars in 1978.
"Beijing Olympic Games"
Many believe that without opening-up, it would be impossible for China to host the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Games, commended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge as "truly exceptional", were seen by the world as China's come-of-age show on the international stage.
China grabbed a total of 100 medals at the Beijing Games -- a coincidence as the country dreamt for 100 years to be the Olympic host -- and overtook the United States to top the gold medal count with 51.
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