A blueprint for the development of the society featuring comprehensive improvement in the economy, democracy, science and technology, social culture, and people's lives.

In the 1980s, late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping set a target for the country to realize "a moderately prosperous society" by 2000, which was mostly about growth in the economic indicators.

Jiang Zemin, the former president, officially widened the concept to cover more social aspects in his report to the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2002. Besides quadrupling the country's GDP of 2000 by 2020, other targets included implementing the rule of law, fostering market economy, ensuring universal coverage of social security, and helping most people live a comfortable life.

President Hu Jintao in his report to the 17th CPC National Congress added new elements to the blueprint by stressing transformation of the economic development pattern, and sustainability of growth.