Awe-inspiring GDP growth. Ballooning foreign exchange reserves. More expressways. Steady rise in per capita disposable income

There is a good chance you will find yourself overwhelmed by an avalanche of figures today, when people celebrate the 30th anniversary of reform and opening up. The past three decades have produced abundant statistical miracles. But for most of us, numbers are resplendent as hallmarks of progress.

We feel it, from the disappearance of ration coupons, the unheard of fruits on store shelves, oversupply of home appliances, constantly refreshing urban landmarks, fashion-conscious people on the streets, and, of course, frequent additions to dinner table choices.