The slowing growth rate bottomed out in the third quarter of 2012 , when China 's economy only grew at 7.4 % . China 's economy grew 7.9 % in the fourth quarter , slightly better than 2011 . The world 's second largest economy grew 7.8 % for the year in 2012 . Fourth quarter growth rate followed seven straight quarters of growth .
China 's economy grew 7.9 % in the fourth quarter , slightly better than 2011 . The world 's second largest economy grew 7.8 % for the year in 2012 . Fourth quarter growth rate followed seven straight quarters of growth .