The Gini coefficient, a standard statistical measure of inequality, has fallen steadily since 2001 (though it remains very high by international standards).

The classic tool for measuring inequality is the Gini coefficient. The higher it is, the less equal the society.

A calculation of Gini coefficients based on the official data of land registration in the early Qing dynasty shows unequivacally a lower rate of land concentration as compared to that in the North.