This report presents the evolution of census undertakings in China since 1953, with a focus
on how the recently completed 2010 census differs from the 2000 census. How the censuses
were conducted and what social and demographic information was collected per se to a
large extent reflect the changing social and political situations in China over the past six
decades. The report highlights the changes made since the 1982 census, especially the
improvements of the 2000 census over the 1990 census and of the 2010 census over the
2000 census. Selected data are drawn from censuses to chart key aspects of social changes
in China, including migration, urbanization and employment. Finally, problems encountered
during the 2010 census undertaking and challenges for future censuses are identified and
discussed.