Li Yizu is providing his expertise to CCTV documentary team. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

Fifty-four years have passed since Li Yizu came to Xinjiang. With so many ups and downs in his past, his life seems more than legendary. However, Li insists that he is just an ordinary Chinese who loves the land he walks upon.

"I have been here for 54 years. It's very meaningful to live in such a fantastic place with beautiful mountains and rivers, and of course, lovely people. People always say I am a man with a foreigner's face, but a Chinese heart. I was raised by a Chinese mother. My heart will belong to China forever. Now I am in my 70s. I just want to do something useful, and try my best to do them well."

The old man smiles proudly and satisfied. It's obvious he has been living the way he wants, with dignity, courage, intelligence and composure.