2006

Qinghai-tibet Railway Opens to Traffic

On July 1, 2006, the Qinghai-tibet Railway was completed and opened to traffic. With a total length of 1,956 kilometers and a highest point of 5,072 meters above sea level, it is the world’s longest plateau railway and the first railway leading to the hinterlands of Tibet.

Three Gorges Dam

Construction of the Three Gorges Dam was completed on May 20, 2006. With a total length of 3,335 meters and a height of 185 meters, the dam is considered the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. With an installed capacity of 18.2 million kilowatts and an annual power generation capacity of 84.7 billion kilowatt- hours, which both rank first in the world, it plays an important role in flood control, power generation and shipping development.

Agricultural Tax Abolished

In 2006, China abolished the agricultural tax which had been collected for 2,000 years, marking the country’s entry into a new period of reform and opening up. The agricultural tax was levied by the state on all units and individuals engaged in agricultural production earning agricultural income. As an important measure of the government to solve the problems related to agriculture, farmers and rural areas, the abolishment of the agricultural tax not only reduced the burden on farmers and increased their rights, but also demonstrated the principle of fairness in modern taxation.