The Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978 set the wheels of China's economic reform in motion.

Two years later, the country's top legislature approved establishment of special economic zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou in South China's Guangdong Province and Xiamen in Southeast China's Fujian Province.

Four decades on, the Party's reform and opening up policy has transformed Shenzhen from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis.

To date, Zhuhai has established trade relations with more than 220 countries and regions.

A natural harbor city, Xiamen has transformed from a base for traditional manufacturing into a high-tech and IT services hub.

And Shantou is today a popular destination for investment from overseas Chinese.

The four special economic zones have made the most of their respective advantages and emerged as symbols of the country's reform and opening-up.

Together, they also tell the success story of China's reform and opening up policy.

In 2020, 22 artists from Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou and Xiamen together created this painting, "Wind of the South-Special Economic Zones," to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the special economic zones.

The painting highlights the great achievements of all four special economic zones over the past 40 years.

China's reform and opening up meets the people's aspirations for development, innovation and a better life. It also meets the global trend toward development, cooperation and peace.

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