InXizang | Former serf Kardor reflects on life transformation from hardship to happiness

SHANNAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Kardor, 83, resides in a spacious and bright two-story Tibetan-style house, with her children and grandchildren. Recalling the days of old Xizang, the elderly woman is filled with bitterness and sorrow.

In old Xizang, Kardor's family would run out of food every spring plowing season, and they had to humble themselves to borrow highland barley from the serf owner. The broken grains were kept for the family to stave off hunger, while the plump ones were sown in the fields. During the autumn harvest, the serf owner would rush to the fields, mark the well-grown highland barley, and take it all to repay the debt. A year's hard work was wiped out in an instant, making life incredibly difficult.

Today, life has undergone earth-shaking changes. Kardor's family has replaced their tractor with a small truck and, in recent years, bought a car, making travel and production much more convenient. The elderly Kardor can receive subsidies on time and enjoys reimbursement policies for medical care. This happy life, free from worries about food and clothing and filled with joy, fills the elderly woman with contentment and gratitude.

Kardor waters flowers at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Kardor (L) and her daughter-in-law interact with her great-grandson at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Kardor sorts out the hay at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Kardor's grandson pours a cup of butter tea for her at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

This photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows Kardor (L) at home with her daughter-in-law and great-grandson in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Kardor airs clothes at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

This photo taken on March 25, 2026 shows Kardor at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Kardor (C) poses for photos with family members at home in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Kardor poses for a portrait photo in Kartog Village of Trandruk Town, Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)■