2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy. According to data released by the provincial statistics bureau, East China's Zhejiang has experienced a robust improvement in every regard over the past 40 years.

Economic development

From 1978 to 2017, the GDP in Zhejiang rose from 12.4 billion yuan ($1.79 billion) to 5.1768 trillion yuan with an annual growth rate of 12.1 percent.

Poverty alleviation

In 1978, Zhejiang had a poverty stricken population of more than 12 million. By 2015, the province had completely eliminated absolute poverty (per capita annual income less than 4,600 yuan).

Healthcare improvement

Forty years ago, 1,000 people in Zhejiang shared 0.87 doctor and in 2017, the number grew to 3.17. The average life expectancy of Zhejiang people rose from 69.6 years old to 78.6.

Doctors perform the acupuncture treatment on people in Dongyang, Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]