China shows off the version of economic transformation it wants you to see

There's an official version of the economy's reshaping, which is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary

Forty years ago, 18 villagers of Xiaogang in Anhui Province banded together to disobey the orders of China’s government, risking their lives by deciding to farm individually instead of collectively.

Now, they’re celebrated as the pioneers of gaige kaifang , or Reform and Opening Up — the process of turning China into a market-based economy that celebrates its 40th anniversary next week.

As part of the official programme marking the anniversary that will culminate in Beijing on December 18th, the government invited media to tour locations selected for their significance in showing how China has transformed in that time.

The anniversary comes at