Border guard draws inspiration from folklore

Khutulun was a noblewoman and fearless warrior in ancient Mongolia and was thought to be the basis for the character of Turandot. Back in the 13th century, Khutulun fought on many fronts and it is said that when her father, Kaidu, feuded with her cousin Kublai Khan, she rode by his side throughout campaign.

Khutulun symbolized bravery and determination to nomadic women. Today, though male power is very much alive in the northern steppe, a nomadic woman named Nyam, has the same characteristic as her forebears, and she is a match for any man.

Nyam lives in Engeriwusu Gaqaa, a small village in Alshaa League, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The league shares a 734-kilometer border with Mongolia on its northern side, and Nyam's home is only 11 km from the border.