In 2012, Bao attained a new title-staff member of the Shanghai municipal government-which allows him to bring to the fore more creative ideas as a member of a government think tank.

Bao's latest idea pertains to ecological protection and the development of new Hengsha island in Shanghai. The project has so far produced an additional 56 square kilometers of land to aid the city's further development.

"This is just the beginning. There is more to come," says Bao.

In 2018, Bao was named as one of the 100 reform and opening-up pioneer medalists by the State Council.

"Bao Qifan is a role model of Chinese workers who grew together with China's opening-up. In more than 40 decades, Bao produced inventions and innovations in every role he accepted, and became a true star among China's millions of workers," says his nomination.

"I'm nothing but an ordinary person. All I did was to love what I do, and try my best to do my work well," Bao says.

"I hope my personal experience will inspire a younger generation to develop better innovations in the future."