Core Perspective - The article narrates the inspiring life story of Shi Naiyin, a Dong ethnic girl whose image became a symbol on China's fourth set of one yuan banknotes, highlighting her journey from a weaving girl to a national currency ambassador [3][20]. Group 1: Historical Context of Currency Unification - In 1947, amidst the chaos of the Liberation War, over 300 types of currency were in circulation in China, prompting the need for currency unification [7]. - The establishment of the People's Bank of China on December 1, 1948, marked the beginning of a unified currency system, leading to the introduction of the first Renminbi [7]. - The design of the Renminbi has traditionally showcased the spirit of the working people, evolving from images of laborers to featuring real faces of ethnic minorities in the fourth set [9]. Group 2: The Artistic Encounter - In 1979, Shi Naiyin was discovered by Professor Hou Yimin at a market in Guizhou, where her natural beauty caught the artist's attention [13]. - Shi Naiyin's pose during the portrait session became iconic, leading to her image being immortalized on the 1980 version of the one yuan banknote [15]. Group 3: Personal Life and Development - After marriage, Shi Naiyin led a typical life in the Dong community, engaging in daily agricultural activities and reflecting on her past as a banknote model [18]. - With the advent of targeted poverty alleviation initiatives in 2017, she embraced new agricultural techniques, significantly improving her family's income to over 20,000 yuan [20]. Group 4: Cultural Legacy - On the day the fourth set of Renminbi was officially retired in 2020, Shi Naiyin commemorated the occasion, emphasizing the cultural significance of her story and the continuity of Dong traditions [23]. - Her narrative intertwines personal destiny, cultural heritage, and national development, symbolizing the enduring beauty that withstands the test of time [23].

Group 1 - The European Union's finance ministers have approved Bulgaria's adoption of the euro starting January 1, 2026 [1]

Group 1 - The establishment of the People's Bank of China in 1948 aimed to unify the chaotic currency system in the country, which included various forms of currency and barter trade [3][5] - The first set of Renminbi was designed to symbolize the restoration of production and rebuilding of the nation, featuring images of trains, factories, and agricultural laborers [5][19] - The excessive printing of the first Renminbi led to severe inflation, undermining its credibility and failing to achieve its historical mission [5][7] Group 2 - The need for a new currency arose due to the inadequacies of the first Renminbi, which lacked durability and anti-counterfeiting measures, prompting a request for a new version [7][9] - The Soviet Union provided crucial support in the form of high-quality banknote paper and assistance in building printing facilities during the 1950s [9][11] - The second set of Renminbi faced challenges due to the deteriorating Sino-Soviet relations, leading to a push for self-sufficiency in currency production [11][14] Group 3 - The third set of Renminbi was developed as part of a strategic move towards independence in currency production, with preparations starting as early as 1955 [11][14] - Chinese experts successfully created their own printing machines, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in currency production [14][16] - The security measures surrounding the printing facilities are extremely stringent, reflecting the importance of currency sovereignty [16][17] Group 4 - China began printing currency for other countries as early as the 20th century, with notable contracts in the 21st century, showcasing its capabilities in international currency production [19][22] - The transition from "China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation" to "China Banknote Printing and Minting Group Co., Ltd." signifies a major evolution in the company's scale and global engagement [24][26] - This transformation reflects the company's journey from a domestic supplier to a key player in the global currency market, enhancing its reputation and trustworthiness [24][26]