Chapter 14: Farms Near Beijing's "Computer Row", Page 2

One of China's most famous people's communes, the Evergreen People's Commune, was situated in this area of Beijing. To understand the transformation that it has been undergoing since 1985, after the people's communes were disbanded, it's important to first understand the general transformation process. Here's the step-by-step story of what's been happening:

Phase 1: 1983-1985 People's communes are officially disbanded.	Production brigades in the commune become "township villages".	Township village land is distributed in small lots to farm families.
Phase 2: 1985-1988 Families farm small plots for several years.	By 1987, families band together for economies of scale and to start other enterprises.	Township villagers form a General Company to run their farm and enterprises.
Phase 3: 1988-today General Company builds factories on farm land for added income.	Farmers work in factories and hire farm hands from poor areas.	Farmers joint venture with foreigners, using land as their equity.