Thirty years after their introduction, residents reflect on the effects of special economic zones.

The initials are synonymous with success and have been credited with providing much of the driving force behind China's rapid economic development. For three decades special economic zones (SEZs) have helped change the fortunes of millions of people.

The literally groundbreaking SEZ initiative, which next week marks its 30th anniversary, was intended to enable local governments to adopt favorable measures to attract fresh investment and jobs. And it worked to such an extent that other countries soon deployed the formula.