InXizang | Former serf Tsering Samdrup reflects on a transformed life after democratic reform

SHANNAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Tsering Samdrup, an 83-year-old former serf, is now enjoying a happy life. He lives in a spacious and bright two-story Tibetan-style house. His granddaughter has built a hotel on their own land, adjacent to a commercial street in Samyai Town, with an annual income exceeding 100,000 yuan.

When speaking of his life today, Tsering is filled with gratitude. "Such a good life was something we didn't even dare to imagine in old Xizang," Tsering said.

Recalling the hardships of the old days, Tsering's words are filled with bitterness.

Tsering's father was a tailor who made clothes and shoes for serf owners and wealthy families, yet he himself could only wear patched clothes and relied on meager earnings to support his family. His mother was also a serf who spent her entire life in servitude, with only three or four days of rest during the New Year.

"In old Xizang, we had no freedom at all. We didn't even have the right to live to old age," Tsering lamented. Worse still, the older generation was unable to teach their children to read, leaving offspring engulfed in illiteracy and suffering in old days.

This photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows Tsering Samdrup at his home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Samdrup feeds livestock at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Samdrup poses for a portrait photo in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Samdrup cleans agricultural machinery at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Samdrup (C) poses for photos with his granddaughter and great-grandson at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Samdrup (L) sits with his granddaughter on a bench in front of their hotel in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Samdrup kisses his great-grandson at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Samdrup (L) and his granddaughter check hotel occupancy rate in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Tsering Samdrup (L) and his granddaughter clean their car at home in Samyai Town of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)■