Evidence-based research on China: A historical imperative

China has been undergoing a social transformation whose scope, rapidity, and significance in impact are unprecedented in human history. I present evidence pertaining to three most important social changes in China over the last 30-40 years: economic growth, increased educational attainment, and completion of a demographic transition. Many other important social changes have also taken place that merit the attention of social science researchers. Dramatic social changes in China present challenges as well as opportunities to social scientists today. We have a unique opportunity to document and preserve this portion of China's social history. Thus, conducting evidence-based research on China is a historical imperative for present-day social scientists.