Abstract:Deng’s thought of co-prosperity has a long origin, for it is a scientific socialism theory which has been developed in his long career of revolution and construction, and got more growth in the time of reforming and opening. It has three levels of meanings, the first one focusing on the idea “letting some people get rich first”, drives the economy growing continuously and rapidly in China; the second one focusing on the idea “co- prosperity is the essence of socialism”, proposes that co-prosperity is the fundamental principle and policy base line; the third one focusing on “co- prosperity will be the central subject one day”, makes the fundamental thinking way, particular methods and main principles for adjusting the gap between the poor and the rich, and insisting on the way to co- prosperity. These three levels make a whole of organic unity, which should be understood comprehensively and accurately, in order to guide the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics.