While orphans are usually unfortunate, Wang Hongyan, a 16-year-old orphan, has had a happy life in Shenzhen with her adoptive mother for the past four years, the Shenzhen Ecomomic Daily reported Thursday.

Wang is a member of the Buyi ethnic group and lived in a poor village in Southwest China's Guizhou Province before meeting her adoptive mother surnamed Zhou in 2000. Zhou, an assistant chief editor of a magazine, Shenzhen Youth, was shocked when she saw Wang's harsh living condition during an interview in Guizhou Province.

Zhou learned from the interview that 11-year-old Wang had to do all the housework and look after her invalid parents and a little brother. However, Wang shouldered her responsibilities and achieved outstanding academic results in school.

Zhou decided to sponsor Wang after the interview. She sent Wang letters every month and called Wang "my dearest daughter."

After Wang's father died a year later, Zhou brought her to Shenzhen to go to school.

Zhou's mother and her colleagues decided to look after Wang together. Some took responsibility for taking Wang to hospital when she was ill, and some were responsible for attending parents' meetings at the school. Zhou's mother even hired a housekeeper to look after Wang.

At school, Wang was welcomed by enthusiastic teachers and classmates. Yan Jiefu, leader of Jiaoyuan High School exempted Wang from tuition and boarding fees during her stay. Teachers bought meals, learning material and bedding for Wang.

Wang said she cherished her time in Shenzhen.

Editor: Catherine