Pic story: A former serf’s new life freed from hardship in China’s Xizang

Tsering Sangmo (C) and her great-grandsons sit in her yard in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026.

Tsering Sangmo, 88, lives in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City in Xizang. Blessed with a flourishing family, she often wears a smile on her face. Yet before the democratic reform in Xizang in 1959, her life was filled with hardship and struggle.

Tsering Sangmo had been serving the serf-owners since she was eight years old. With so many children to raise, the entire family, young and old, had no choice but to eke out a living. Hunger was Tsering Sangmo's most vivid childhood memory. Heavy labor bent her small frame, and those difficult days left an indelible mark on her heart.

It was not until the democratic reform in Xizang in 1959, when millions of serfs were emancipated, that her life truly began to change for the better.

Today, Tsering Sangmo receives a state allowance, having bid a final farewell to those harsh old days. Every Tibetan New Year, a houseful of her descendants gather around, presenting her with hadas and offering heartfelt blessings.

The elderly lady's smile, etched with deep wrinkles, speaks volumes of peace and joy of a life freed from hardship. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Sangmo poses for a portrait in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Sangmo (L) and her daughter arrange lumber at her home in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Sangmo and her family members pose for a group photo at her home in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Sangmo (C) and her great-grandsons sit in her yard in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Sangmo (L) and her daughter go to feed livestock in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows Tsering Sangmo (2nd L) and her family members sitting in the yard in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Sangmo sheds tears when talking about old days at her home in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Sangmo sees her family members off in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Sangmo sits in her yard in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

This photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows Tsering Sangmo and her daughter at her home in Zongkhar Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)