Time Line

Sept 30, 1980: Beijinger Liu Guixian and her husband open Yue Bin Restaurant in Cuihua Hutong in Beijing, the first privately-run restaurant in China.

June 9, 1981: China's Public Health Ministry annouces that the average life span of Chinese was 68 years, attributing the increase to better nutrition.

1982: Beijing Jianguo Hotel, the first joint-venture hotel in China, is established.

Nov 12, 1987: China's first KFC opens in Beijing.

Oct 8, 1990: China's first McDonald's opens in Shenzhen.

Early 1990s: State-owned businesses adopt a shareholding system. Old brand name establishments restart operations. Enterprises enter the era of market economy.

Feb 15, 1993: Food coupons abolished. No limits on the supply of food and oil products.

2006: Da Dong Peking Roast Duck Restaurant introduces Chinese fusion cuisine.

August 2007: French restaurant Le pre Lenotre, the first supported by a Michelin star chef, opens in Beijing.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page50)