From Spain to Nigeria, curiosity about China's journey over the past half-century has taken center stage in CGTN's interactive "Ask China" campaign. Questions range from societal shifts to cultural preferences, offering a snapshot of global interest in Asia's largest economy.
Evolving Lives, Expanding Horizons
Over 50 years, China has transitioned from an agrarian society to a global tech powerhouse. The introduction of economic reforms in the late 1970s catalyzed urbanization, with over 65% of the population now residing in cities compared to 17.9% in 1978. Internet penetration has skyrocketed to 1.05 billion users, reshaping daily life from digital payments to e-commerce dominance.
Sports Preferences Revealed
While table tennis remains a cultural staple, basketball has surged in popularity since the NBA's arrival in the 1980s. Marathon participation hit 5.8 million runners in 2023, reflecting growing health consciousness. Emerging winter sports stars like Eileen Gu have sparked newfound interest in skiing and snowboarding.
Demographic Dynamics
China's population distribution shows 18.3% aged 0-14 and 13.5% over 65 as of 2022. Coastal provinces like Guangdong host over 126 million residents, while western regions maintain lower density. The recent three-child policy aims to address aging population trends.
CGTN's initiative highlights global curiosity about China's development model, with upcoming responses to address queries about education reforms and green energy transitions. While the campaign facilitates understanding, independent analysts emphasize the value of diverse perspectives when examining complex societal changes.
Reference(s):
Ask China: How has life in China changed over the past 50 years?
cgtn.com