Over the past decade, Dahua county has seen tremendous changes. Investing 830 million yuan ($116.94 million), Dahua authorities have built and renovated more than 1,500 roads, enabling access to every village in the mountainous region. In recent years, the local government has allocated funds and resources to improve the living environment via a variety of measures, including settlement relocation, renovation of dilapidated buildings and road construction.

Meanwhile, Meng and her former classmates have entered an exciting time in their lives, as new opportunities beckon.

Some have gone on to higher education, while others have taken jobs in big cities. Several have chosen to return to the village.

Their experiences show how much life has changed as a result of the country's poverty alleviation and rural vitalization programs.