Makeeva S.B. Regional history of Shaanxi Province: from “three-line construction” to “reforms and openness” (1970-1980s). Bulletin of Perm University. History. 2026. No. 2 (73). P. 24-34.

Òåêñò ñòàòüè íà ñàéòå æóðíàëà URL: https://press.psu.ru/index.php/history/article/view/11895 (äàòà îáðàùåíèÿ 28.08.2026)

Abstract

The study explores a highly relevant topic at the present stage of development of the People's Republic of China, which is far from being fully studied: the inclusion of all Chinese provinces in the process of implementing the «reform and opening up» policy. Using the regional history of Shaanxi as a case study, the paper reveals the degree of involvement of China's northwestern provinces in the transition to market relations while maintaining a planned economy in the 1970s -1980s. Based on documentation from the Archives Committee of the People's Government of Shaanxi, the study attempts to analyze the transformation of the province's industrial sector during the early period of reform. Furthermore, statistical data is used to determine demographic indicators in the 1970s-1980s, making it possible to examine the impact of the «reform and opening up» policy on the population of Shaanxi. Ultimately, the analysis leads to the conclusion that Shaanxi was not included in the priority national transformation programs at the early stage of reforms unlike the eastern provinces; nevertheless, it retained and increased its agricultural, industrial, and demographic potential.