On a TV variety show, Zheng Yanping, an epitome of China’s first-generation female migrant workers, recalled her experiences in Shenzhen in the 1980s after the reform and opening up policy was launched.

She went to work in a toy factory in Shekou, and her salary was 1,000 Hong Kong dollars/month, which 40 years ago was equivalent to a current 100,000 yuan.

Zheng was the character archetype of the TV series “Wai Lai Mei” (1991).

(Source: Hunan TV)