Family Story: Taking unpaid leave and venturing into Zhongguancun

Things happened in my family

In 1989

I took unpaid leave from the Instrument Plant of China Earthquake Bureau’s Geophysics Institute, and I decided to try my luck in Zhongguancun.

In 1991

I decided to start my own business, so I registered my first information consulting company with the fund withdrawn from my colleague’s company and a further 10 thousand yuan from my home.

In 1993

I finally earned the first 100 thousand yuan. I used 22 thousand yuan to buy a first-generation mobile phone, to expand my business.

In 1995

586-CPU computers appeared and computers began to be popularized. Because I gradually expanded my business and two of my friends invested 100 thousand yuan, I returned to Zhongguancun and opened a new company in the electronic market in Huangzhuang.

In 1998

I opened a new computer accessories company, selling Sony CD-ROMs and floppy discs. At the same time, I rented a plot of land around Pearl Lake in Mentougou District and established a tourist resort. I was rather successful in business, and therefore, I spent 130 thousand yuan to buy a white Jetta which is considered luxurious at that time.

In 2003

Because of an accident and the influence of SARS, I closed the tourist resort and became a group leader organizing outdoor activities for travel buddies.

An old object

A 286-CPU computer

A 286-CPU computer

In the early 1990’s, the birth of 286-CPU computers marked a historical era. At that time, according to media, “it is a wonder of the era, and you only need 50 thousand yuan to buy a computer!” Actually, only a handful of scientific researchers or computer rooms in colleges could use a 286-CPU computer with a 14-inch black and white screen.

Translated by LOTO