The 1950s

1950-1953: Socialization of the educational system. Introduction of Soviet-style curricula.

1957, March: Foundation of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Zhongguo nongye kexueyuan).

1958: First introduction of the Pinyin phonetic spelling system for Romanization of Chinese words.

The 1960s

1966-1976: 10 years of turmoil at schools and universities seriously harm China's intellectual elites.

The 1970s

1977: After the end of the Cultural Revolution the national unified entrance examination for unitversities is re-introduced.

1978: Pinyin system approved by State Council as the standard system of phonetic spelling of Chinese words.

1979, Jan.: Pinyin phonetic spelling system officially adopted by PRC government.

The 1980s

1985: Free higher education is abolished and replaced by academic scholarships based on academic ability.

1986: Legislation concerning compulsory education (usually 6 years).

The 1990s

1995: Educational legislation stipulates a 9-year compulsory education.

1999, Jan.: New university legislation becomes effective. Gives greater autonomy to universities.

The 2000s

2000: The Hanyu (Han language) Pinyin alphabet is written into law as unified standard for spelling and phonetic notation.