An artist carries his work fearturing China's late leader Deng Xiaoping in Tangyin, Henan province, Aug 21, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Editor's note: Former US President Bill Clinton once said, "China today plays an important role in world affairs in no small part because of Deng Xiaoping's decision to open this country to the outside world."

Deng's reform program started in 1978. China and its people have since witnessed a remarkable change. The following stories are about ordinary people and how the late top reformer has reshaped both their lives and this country.

Thirty-five years later, a new round of reforms is underway. Led by the new leadership under President Xi Jinping, the reforms aim to help the people benefit economically and politically from in the world's second-largest economy.

Deng Xiaoping's legacy remains relevant today. His policies, ranging from an open-minded attitude toward the market economy to zero tolerance for corruption, provide the current Chinese leadership with a roadmap to further deepen reforms.