Forty years of reform and opening up has produced many figures standing fearlessly at the crest of the wave.
Tips
history
From Pan Lang's (潘阆) Northern-Song ci 酒泉子·长忆观潮 (Jiuquanzi: Long Remembering the Tide). Full couplet: 弄潮儿向涛头立，手把红旗旗不湿 - 'the tide-rider stands on the wave's crest, red flag in hand, the flag unwetted.' The poem recalls the Qiantang River tide-riders, young men who raced into the bore for sport. 弄潮儿 has since come to mean anyone who thrives amid risk.
usage
Modern 弄潮儿 is a compliment - a bold pioneer riding the tide of their times. Pronunciation note: 弄 here is nòng (to play/handle), not lòng (alley).
