Back to China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

China’s Economic Transformation Part 1: Economic Reform and Growth in China

In 1978, after nearly 30 years of socialist planning under Mao Zedong, China was one of the world’s poorest countries, saddled with an inefficient, inward-looking economy. Today, China is an upper-middle income country and the world’s largest trading nation, contributing more to global economic growth than any other nation. How could such a remarkable transformation take place? This course will examine in detail the reforms that have contributed to China’s economic development and the current challenges facing the Chinese economy. After completing this course, you will be able to: - describe the origin and consequences of China’s key economic reforms since 1978; - explain how features of China’s fiscal and financial systems have impacted development outcomes; - assess the extent to which China has integrated itself into the global economy and the consequences of such integration for China and other countries; - explain the importance of different sources of economic growth during different periods since 1978; and - critically assess the economic and policy challenges facing China going forward. This course does not offer certificate at the moment. Course Overview video: https://youtu.be/YBkhpvWUoIw

Status: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Status: Economics
BeginnerCourse13 hours

Featured reviews

A

5.0Reviewed Aug 20, 2018

A great course for anyone interested in learning about China. You can expect your perceptions of China, along with the driving forces behind China's rapid transformation, to be challenged.

AS

5.0Reviewed Jul 21, 2024

Good coverage on China's road to economic transformation by Prof Park. Excellent delivery of materials too.

KM

5.0Reviewed Jun 6, 2020

Very good course that helped me to deepen my understanding of the economic development of China. I'm looking forward for the second part.

MC

4.0Reviewed Aug 6, 2020

great course to have a brief understanding of China's economic reform :)

AL

5.0Reviewed Mar 20, 2022

​ive done a lot of online courses and this was by far the best and in an area in which i had no prior knowledge! I look foward to being able to access Part 2 sometime soon

YT

5.0Reviewed May 12, 2019

An very informative and well-structured course. Excellent choice for those who want to understand more about the path of China's economic reform and development.

NI

5.0Reviewed May 14, 2020

Very good and useful course especially as it gives solution to the problems it raises. Would be happy to see part 2 of it.

SM

4.0Reviewed Oct 28, 2023

It's a good start to seriously know China and its economy, especially the roles of local administrations which also have been driving the country so far.

AL

4.0Reviewed Sep 7, 2025

The history of the transition from a socialist economy to a more market economy was fascinating.

SB

5.0Reviewed Apr 30, 2021

An accessible, comprehensive and nonpartisan introduction to China's economic transformation, covering history and contemporary challenges and debates.

V

5.0Reviewed Oct 25, 2021

The course is well-structured and the presentations by course's professor is very informative. Great course!

DC

4.0Reviewed May 16, 2020

Lots of information on China's Economics culture. So much information it's hard to fathom and retain it all.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 55

Gabriel B.
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Reviewed Dec 7, 2017
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