China has experienced over a quarter century of rapid economic growth, which has had a phenomenal impact on the global economy. Entering into the twenty-first century implies that China has begun a new phase of economic and social development. Yao reviews the economic development history of contemporary China from 1949 to the present, paying special attention to growth, inequality and poverty reduction. A real Chinese economic miracle should have two important features: high income growth and a fair distribution system so that poverty can be eradicated.