How Chinese ID cards evolved from simple handwritten cards in 1984, to sophisticated digital documents essential for everything from riding the train to playing video games
On the evening of August 30, 1984, the Beijing dormitory of China’s Ministry of Culture was buzzing with excitement. In the courtyard, hundreds of residents had gathered to welcome the renowned actor and singer Shan Xiurong. CCTV, the country’s main state-owned broadcaster, and journalists from major newspapers were there to record Shan as she took the stage. But Shan was not about to perform; she was there to collect China’s first ID card.
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