Top: File photo taken in 1952 by Mao Songyou shows a staff member (L) handing marriage certificates to Quan Yusheng (C) and Sun Guihua in Liling of central China's Hunan Province. Bottom: Photo taken on June 25, 2019 by Xue Yuge shows Song Wanzhen (L), a staff member of civil affairs bureau, handing marriage certificates to Liu Liang (R) and Fan Lingzhi in Liling. According to Liling Civil Affairs Bureau, marriage registration now uses an online application system, which is more convenient for the public. In 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded, the Chinese people faced a devastated country that needed to be rebuilt from scratch after decades of warfare and chaos. After decades of unremitting endeavors and dedication by the Chinese people, China has grown to be the world's second largest economy. In 1952, China's GDP was 30 billion U.S. dollars, while in 2018, its GDP reached 13.61 trillion U.S. dollars, an increase of 452.6 times. A group of combo photos give you a glimpse of what Chinese people did decades ago and what they do right now. Undoubtedly, people from all walks of life in China with hard work and wisdom have made contributions to the country's development. (Xinhua)
