Monday is the first working day in 2016. This year, China will enter the period of its Thirteenth Five-Year Plan. China's trends this year in social and economic development will surely attract worldwide attention. Now, at the beginning of the year, we present you with ten noteworthy events and plans in 2016.

(File photo/Xinhua)

Thirteenth Five-Year Plan to be officially released

This year marks the start of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan, extending from 2016 through 2020. During the fourth session of the 12th National People’s Congress, which will convene from March 5, the plan will be reviewed and approved.

The Thirteenth Five-Year Plan period is the final stage of China's endeavor to build a prosperous and well-rounded society. China’s plans for comprehensively promoting economic, political, cultural, social, ecological and Party development will attract a great deal of public attention.

(File photo/Chinanews.com)

Two-child era coming 

China has ended the one-child family planning policy that was in effect for more than 30 years. The newly revised law went into effect on Jan. 1. According to the law, one couple will now be allowed to have two children. 

Is China ready to embrace the two-child era? How will this change affect Chinese family life? What kind of improvement in China's population structure will occur? What will the impact be on the Chinese economy and society?