Liao Yanfei is from the Miao ethnic group and head of Jinsha village in Fenghuang county, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hunan province.

Liao was brought up in the poorest family in the poverty-striking village, living in a shabby house made of stones and almost no income.

When he grew up, Liao opened a dry meat factory which has helped lead villagers in Jinsha out of poverty.