In January 1992, Deng began a tour of the southern provinces of China, during which he visited several cities, including Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Shanghai. In his speeches, Deng called for greater economic liberalization and foreign investment, and urged officials to take bold steps to reform the economy. He also stressed the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth.

Deng's southern tour was met with enthusiasm by the Chinese people and by foreign investors, and it led to a renewed sense of optimism about China's economic future. It also served as a powerful signal to local officials and entrepreneurs that they should take advantage of the new opportunities presented by economic reform and opening-up. As a result, many localities, especially the southern provinces, began to implement market-oriented policies, resulting in a significant increase in economic growth and modernization.

Deng's southern tour is widely seen as a turning point in modern Chinese history, as it marked a significant shift in the country's economic and political direction. It also played a key role in setting the stage for China's rapid economic development and emergence as a major world power in the 21st century.