Mother's devotion keeps her on the road

Shandong province in eastern China is proud of its ancient philosophers - the region was home to sages Confucius and Mencius - and its modern mothers.

Legend has it that the mother of Mencius - a contemporary of Plato, who advised Chinese rulers and interpreted Confucian thought - was so committed to providing a nurturing upbringing for her son that she moved three times in order to find the best learning environment for her child.

Recently, the provincial city of Rushan began a search to celebrate its "Top Ten Great Mothers."