“As a CPC member for more than 20 years, taking part in this year’s “Two Sessions” helps me gain great knowledge. I will devote myself to playing a leading role in Yumai,” said Zhuoga, former head of the Yumai Township government in Longzi County in Shannan, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Yumai is China's smallest town in terms of population, which sits at the southern foot of the Himalayas.

Before 1996, the only residents in the township were Zhuoga and her two family members.

They have been guardians of the country's border area for half a century.

As a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC)，Zhuoga went to Beijing in March to attend the annual Two Sessions.

“Beijing is great,” said Zhuoga, “ I have learned a lot during the trip to Beijing,” she told the reporters, while preparing to feed her cows during the busiest time of her day.

Zhuoga has three daughters. The oldest is currently in Jiangxi, east China, for her undergraduate study. The other two daughters are high school students.

“I hope my daughters will be well educated and become knowledgeable,” said Zhuoga.

In the past, winter lasted for months in Yumai, with the township being completely isolated from the outside world starting from November every year.

With the help of the Party and the government, last year Yumai finally became accessible all year round.

Hu Xuemin, head of the Yumai Township government, came to Yumai in June 2016.

He has witnessed the dramatic changes of Yumai in the past two years.

“In the past, villagers relied on electricity generated by water which was very unstable,” said Hu, “This February, a new power line was successfully connected from the state grid. Villagers in Yumai can finally enjoy stable electricity.”

In order to improve residents' living environment, the whole township is under renovation. Villagers are looking forward to moving into the government-funded two-story buildings with independent yards.

Photo taken on May 9, 2018 shows former head of the Yumai Township government Zhuoga. (Xinhuanet/Ma Yimeng)

Photo taken on May 9, 2018 shows Hu Xuemin, head of the Yumai Township government at a construction site. Hu came to serve as the head of the township government in 2016. (Xinhuanet/Ma Yimeng)