They have Skippy peanut butter, Starbucks and a Disney Theme Park. Progress you can believe in.

But seriously, they have come a long way since the 60's in terms of material wealth, modernization, education and freedom of movement. It is unquestionably an authoritative state ruled mostly with a velvet covered iron fist.

In the 60's there was no personal property allowed. After Tiananmen Square, which was really a revolt against inequality between the cities and rural populations (remember that's how Mao rose to power) the central government took action and adopted aspects of capitalism.

Suddenly it was glorious to be rich. Within 20 years, a burgeoning middle class (topped by the usual 1%) emerged so that now China boasts some of the wealthiest people on earth. There are more miles of highways there than in all of the US, as well a high speed rail system that is unmatched in the world for coverage. I could go on, but...

The transformation from the communal collectivism dressed in the grey suits of Mao riding bicycles to a land of home ownership, social media and freedom to travel the globe is something that has never been seen in such a short time.

Edit: content.