The top ten economic highlights of 2006 were announced in Beijing on January 9. The voting panel included the editor and deputy editor of the Economic Reference Newspaper, nationally renowned economists and representatives from 16 news agencies. The event was sponsored by the Economic Reference Newspaper and China Unicom.

China's economic highlights in chronological order:

1. The 11th Five-Year Plan is approved

2. The State Council publishes the "Six Opinions" to regulate the real estate market.

3. The development of the Binhai New Area of Tianjin moves forward.

4. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is put into operation

5. Abuse of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) comes to the attention of the public.

6. The Sixth Plenary Session of the 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) embarks on a mission to build a harmonious society

7. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges, raising a record amount of capital.

8. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is held in Beijing.

9. National GDP break 20 trillion yuan.

10. The Shanghai stock index reaches its highest level in 16 years, indicating the success of stock market reforms.