Insights about what matters most in life from 11 people more than 100 years old in Hezhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Reporter Zhang Li, dialect translator Li Ziyu and photographer Huang Xiaotao tell the stories.

Huang Zhizhong, 104

During the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), Huang was forced to leave his job and start farming. He found solace in books. He loved to read and learn, and continued to cultivate himself. As a "barefoot doctor" he won the respect of his neighbors. For him, a rich life is defined by service:

"There was a serious lack of medical care, so the knowledge I got from books could help people in need. Service to others matters most."