The article is devoted to the modernization of the Chinese economy begun by Deng Xiaoping on the "reform and openness" project and continues today. The author considers that complex and science-intensive projects which combined intellectual and professional efforts of scientists and experts of different profile were the engine of reforms in China. Implementation of major projects formed the basis of economic and scientific and technical development. The article describes the most significant projects in the spheres of infrastructure, power industry, redistribution of water resources, creation of high technologies, education.
People's Republic of China, economic crisis, modernization, major projects, infrastructure, energy resources, turn of rivers, high technologies, education.