A symposium focusing on Taicang’s social modernization methods was held in Taicang from Nov 17 to 18. Another seminar was also held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Taicang economic and social development research center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Many experts from CASS and the Development Reach Center of the State Council put forward their opinions regarding Taicang’s development method and explored further methods for social development.

Over the past years, Taicang has paid great attention to creating a comprehensive, systematic and forward-looking social development model. It has comprehensively pushed forward social construction and management. It has endeavored to explore a new model of social construction and management characterized by inclusiveness and harmony with good governance. As a result, Taicang has become a vivid model for social modernity with Taicang characteristics. The model emphasizes co-development of economy and society, marked by happy lives and a stable society.

Taicang’s development is marked by equality, idyllic scenery, harmony and the integration of government and society.

Lu Xueyi, honorary academician of CASS, and Lu Liusheng, Party chief of Taicang, jointly wrote a book, Social Modernization: the Taicang Method, which was unveiled at the symposium. The first volume of the book explains the reasoning and process of Taicang's social modernization. The second volume discusses the future and effects of social modernization from various angles.

The writers of the book want to present the theorists, leaders and cadres with a model and example to practice strengthening social construction and innovating social management.