The foundation-laying stage

1997

In 1997, Asian Financial Crisis broke out, sweeping across Asian countries. However, the severe macro environment didn't stop development of China's Internet industry. The first boom of China's Internet gradually gathered forces and both business enterprises and users steadily grew. By the end of 1997, number of Chinese netizens reached 620,000. In this year, NetEase was founded to run e-mail business; Aitexin, the predecessor of Sohu, launched ITC industry and business network; Stone Richsight and a group of other Chinese forums were opened. Interconnection of the four major networks realized direct communication for domestic network users. Interconnection of infrastructure and establishment of a group of Internet enterprises enabled netizens to read news at people.cn, chat at Stone Richsight forum and inquire business information at Aitexin. Surfing the Internet became a trend. Internet fans in cities called themselves netters, called e-mail "伊妹儿", Java technology "娇娃" and modem "猫". According to statistics, "surfing the Internet" was the second most popular term of the year right after "Hong Kong's return in 1997". A brand-new "network society" is coming towards us.

In March 1997, IBM made its first commercial network advertisement in China at ChinaByte.com. This was a milestone in China's Internet development because the most important business mode of Internet, network advertising, emerged.

Business applications based on Internet came into being consequently and business institutions and industrial organizations all set foot in Internet to transmit business information and explore new business methods. Network economy took initial shape. Foundation of China Internet Network Information Center represented that China's Internet network established connection with international Internet network management service.

In February, the State Council Informatization Office held Seminar on Digital Information Revolution, initiating China's Internet enlightenment, and Nicholas Negroponte paid official visit to China for the first time. This awakened the Internet awareness of government, businesses and the public. In another word, after China realized interconnection with international Internet network at the earlier stage, this realized China's connection with international Internet ideology for the first time.

In this year, revelry and passion of netizens reached the peak in China's game against Qatar at home court in the World Cup Qualification. China's first forum post "Dalian Jinzhou has no tear" was rapidly transmitted and reprinted by many traditional newspapers. It was not until then that the society realized Internet could not only bring us fresh entertainment experience by surfing the Internet, but also connect people and produce emotional resonance across the entire society.