30 years ago, people had to fight to give birth due to fines.

30 years later, even with rewards, no one wants to have children.
30 years ago, people scolded you for not having a son.
30 years later, people curse you to have 8 sons.
30 years ago, getting into college could change your fate.
30 years later, you finish college but still end up working as a screw assembler.
30 years ago, daughters-in-law served their mothers-in-law.
30 years later, mothers-in-law serve their daughters-in-law.
30 years ago, everyone in the village gathered around to watch a TV.
30 years later, every household has a TV but no one watches it.
30 years ago, people couldn’t afford meat and were afraid of losing weight.
30 years later, people dare not eat too much meat for fear of gaining weight.
So this is what they mean by 30 years in the east of the river and 30 years in the west of the river.