Living standards rise as efforts continue

The central government's large-scale efforts to alleviate poverty began in May 1986, with the founding of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

In the same year, the first national poverty level was set at 200 yuan ($29) annually per person. At the time, 125 million people nationwide were officially classified as living below the standard.

By 2000, the number of people who lacked basic clothing and food had fallen to 32 million. In 2001, the national poverty level was raised to 865 yuan per person, but by 2011, it had risen to 2,300 yuan.