3. Tong Yatao

2007 top scorer in liberal art for Luohe in Henan province

Admitted to Renmin University of China

Now an editor at China National Radio

Tong Yatao, topped the gaokao rankings in liberal art in Luohe in north China's Henan province, in 2007 and now works as a night editor for the Beijing Radio and Television Station. [Photo/VCG]

"Zhuangguan is the glory of the past. And what kind of the life you want now depends much on the efforts you have put in," the 28-year-old says. Raised in a peasant family, Tong has now moved to the capital and hopes he will be able to save up and buy a home in the city.