I witness the difference that a decade makes

When I met Xiao Xinlong in February for the first time in 10 years, he was busy working at a hotel in Dulongjiang township, Yunnan province.

I could not believe that this cheerful young man had grown from being the small boy with the runny nose I first encountered a decade ago.

I asked if he remembered me. At first he didn't, but when we talked about my visit in 2012, I was touched when he said: "You are the reporter! Thanks for taking those precious photos."

In October 2012, I joined colleagues on a four-day trip from Beijing to Dulongjiang to interview locals. There were 794 bends on the 80-kilometer mountain road from Gongshan Derung and Nu autonomous county to the township. Our vehicle ran close to the edge of cliffs. I dare not look out of the windows, and kept my eyes closed.

In February, when I was about to drive from Gongshan to Dulongjiang, I again felt anxious.

However, this time I didn't experience a bumpy ride, as the road now had an asphalt surface. With guard rails in place on every bend, my fears gradually disappeared.

On arrival, I saw rows of homes built in the traditional Derung ethnic style, with flowers adorning courtyard walls.

Residents had also planted bonsai trees and were growing fruit or vegetables in their yards. The gray roofs reminded me of the far-off clouds over the mountains.

My memories of the township 10 years ago were totally different. People slept in thatched homes, traversed rivers by rope crossings, and climbed up and down mountains on handmade vine ladders. The children wore no shoes in the school playground.

I was excited to revisit Dulongjiang and capture its transformation with my camera.

I shared my experience with former colleague Hu Yongqi, who also visited the township in 2012.He said he felt Dulongjiang had benefited from its "growth and perseverance".

He said my photos showed that the children we played basketball with 10 years ago are now police officers, hotel owners, or were continuing their education in big cities. "They are the best hope for the Derung ethnic group," Hu said.

He was also impressed that many locals chose to stay to develop the township, adding that their efforts helped give Dulongjiang vitality and a better environment, education and healthcare for the next generation.