◎Contemporary History

After the liberation of Baoding,under the leadership of the CPC,the people of Baoding started the great cause of building socialism in an allround way with great enthusiasm.On August 1,1949,the Hebei Provincial People’s Government was established,and Baoding was made the provincial capital.After the founding of the People’s Republic of China,the history of Baoding started a new chapter.Baoding was still the capital of Hebei Province and the political,economic and cultural center of the province.Great progress was made in various construction undertakings.Since the first fiveyear plan,in particular,a number of key state-run enterprises had settled in Baoding,which laid the industrial foundation of Baoding,enhanced its economic strength and promoted its urban construction.After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the CPC in 1978,the reform and opening-up accelerated the development of various undertakings in Baoding.The people of Baoding,being active and determined to reform,created new historical glory.With the approval of the State Council,in December 1994,Baoding Prefecture and Baoding City merged into the new Baoding City.The development of Baoding then entered a new stage.At present,Baoding,an ancient city,is marching towards the grand goal of a modern and strong city in the new era with a brand-new attitude.