The opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

　　Five-year plans have been instrumental in pushing forward China's development in all sectors over the past decades.

　　BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The year 2025 marks the final lap for implementing China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). The plan prioritizes high-quality development over traditional growth-centric targets, reflecting the evolving priorities of the world's second-largest economy.

　　As an important institution that embodies the unique advantages of China's national governance system, five-year plans have been instrumental in pushing forward the country's development in all sectors over the past decades.

　　With this year's two sessions officially kicking off on Tuesday, China's national lawmakers and political advisors are set to review the nation's achievements and elaborate on future plans. It also presents an opportune occasion to revisit the significance of China's five-year plans -- what they are and how they have contributed to the country's remarkable progress.

　　WHAT IS A FIVE-YEAR PLAN?

　　The five-year plans serve as a comprehensive blueprint for China's economic and social advancement, outlining goals, strategies and priorities for each planning cycle.

　　Since the launch of the first Five-Year Plan (1953-1957), these plans have not only steered China's transformative development but also evolved to meet the distinct challenges of each era.