Following in the Footsteps of the “Daughter of the Mountains”

From a friend at our China Writer’s Group

I’m humbled and honored to share that I recently became the first Westerner to visit Baini Village in Guangxi Province.
Chet Ozmun
Aug 24, 2025

Just a few years ago, in 2018, Baini was known as the poorest village in all of China. Its journey since then is a powerful story of transformation, largely thanks to its former Poverty Alleviation Secretary, Huang Wenxiu. A native of the region who also grew up in poverty, she dedicated herself to lifting her community up.

Tragically, Secretary Huang lost her life in a flash flood in 2019 while serving the village. Her incredible legacy is now renowned across China and is the basis for the TV drama Daughter of the Mountains, which I had the privilege of translating. (You can watch the full series on my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8R-uen6FfFwtWFO_hOz1Uh0gMkMDm2Mb).

This is the first video of 30.

I had to see with my own eyes if the stories of Baini’s progress were true. Thanks to the immense generosity and welcoming spirit of the local government, I was given a personal tour by Secretary Chen, who now continues Huang Wenxiu’s work.

We toured the beautiful village, the Huang Wenxiu Memorial Museum, her former office, and the simple room where she lived. I also saw the impressive new Huang Wenxiu Kindergarten, a modern school built in her honor. As a translator currently working on Huang Wenxiu’s Poverty Alleviation Diaries, I found this an invaluable experience. And yes—I even got to walk across the infamous rickety bridge from the TV show!

For communists, and anyone serious about understanding China’s poverty alleviation campaign, I cannot recommend a visit to Baini Village highly enough. The local government proudly and passionately carries on Huang Wenxiu’s legacy, ensuring her sacrifice continues to inspire a brighter future.

This journey and all the translations that go along with it would not have been possible without the generous support of donors on Patreon and elsewhere. If you’re interested in supporting this kind of work please visit my linktree website to see all the different ways you can contribute.