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SHANNAN, March 26 (Xinhua) — Yudron is a 90-plus-year-old villager living in Samyai Town of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

In old Xizang, Yudron's family, as serfs, huddled beneath a moldy blanket in cold winter nights, which was the only thing they had for warmth. "The serf owner said we were born to toil like yaks," Yudron recalled, adding that she had to spin wool for the serf owner to get tsampa. "I labored from dawn to night just to earn a handful of tsampa," she said.

In days devoid of warmth, the death of her parents, who passed away due to illnesses as they couldn't afford medical treatment, is the most heartbroken memory for Yudron.

In March 1959, people in Xizang launched the democratic reform that ended the region's feudal serfdom. About one million serfs like Yudron, who was given farmlands and houses following the democratic reform, became owners of the land for the first time.

Now, Yudron's family enjoys a flourishing life. Her grandson runs a Tibetan sweet tea shop frequently visited by neighbors and locals. "Our life today is sweeter than sweet tea. I really wish my parents could see the happy life now," the elderly who has witnessed Xizang's development stated.

This photo taken on March 12, 2025 shows a portrait of Yudron in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. [Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida]

Yudron talks with her grandson at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Jigme Dorje]

Yudron talks with her grandson and neighbors at the tea shop run by her family in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Jigme Dorje]

Granddaughter-in-law of Yudron serves tea to her in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Jigme Dorje]

Granddaughter-in-law of Yudron helps her adjust the headscarf in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida]

Yudron (C) poses for a photo with her grandson and granddaughter-in-law in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Jigme Dorje]

Grandson of Yudron helps her walk back to their house in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha