The two-layer management system-dispersed household contracting and unified collective management-broke up the former system of people’s communes. On October 12, 1983, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued a “Circular on Separating the Functions of Government from Commune Management and Establishing Township People’s Government”. Xiangyang Township People’s Government in Guanghan County, Sichuan Province, shown here, was the first such government in the country.