This paper aims to analyze the structural changes of social stratification in China during the past 60 years since the birth of the People’s Republic in 1949. It argues that the structure of social stratification in China before Deng’s reform was featured by the importance of non-economic criteria，relatively equal income distribution，a compelling hierarchy of social identities，and larger social aggregates. Then，Deng’s reform brought about a series of profound transformation to this structure，such as the change in the hierarchy of social identities，the widening gap of income distribution，the change in the relationship between mainstream and marginal social groups，and the emergence of new social strata. Finally，it analyzes some newly emerging trends since the advent of the 21st century，such as the consolidation of class structure，the fragmentation of class interests，the formation of a “social buffer zone”，and the transfiguration of middle class.