Liu Mingfang, a village official from Zhonghe Village, Guizi Town, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, was honored as a Touching China 2025 Person of the Year at an award ceremony broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) on July 14.
On a stormy night in June 2025, Liu noticed an unusually large flow of muddy water and recognized it as a warning sign of a landslide. Working with local officials, she successfully evacuated 57 villagers from 25 households just before torrential rains triggered a landslide that swept through the area.
Over the past decade, several outstanding individuals from Guangdong have been honored with the Touching China awards, each exemplifying the spirit of the Lingnan region in their own way.
Su Bingtian, Touching China 2021 Person of the Year
Born in Zhongshan City, Guangdong, Su Bingtian became the first Chinese athlete and the first Asian sprinter to reach an Olympic men's 100-meter final. At the Tokyo Olympics, the 32-year-old set a new Asian record of 9.83 seconds in the semifinals, then placed sixth in the final with a time of 9.98 seconds.
Peng Shilu, Touching China 2021 Person of the Year
Peng Shilu was one of China's leading nuclear scientists, the country's first chief designer for nuclear submarines and a pioneer of its nuclear power industry. In the 1950s, he worked in secrecy on China's nuclear submarine program, making pivotal contributions to the successful development of the country's first nuclear submarine.
Following the launch of reform and opening up, he played a key role in building the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant and promoting the independent construction of Phase II of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, helping China's nuclear industry achieve historic breakthroughs.
Lu Yonggen, Touching China 2017 Person of the Year
A native of Huadu District, Guangzhou, Lu Yonggen was an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a distinguished crop geneticist.
In 2017, Lu and his wife donated their life savings of more than 8.8 million yuan (approximately $1.3 million) to South China Agricultural University to establish an education fund supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and outstanding young faculty members.
"The Party raised me," Lu once said. "Returning my personal wealth to the country is my final contribution."
Launched by CCTV in 2002, Touching China is one of the country's most prestigious annual honors. The award recognizes individuals from all walks of life whose extraordinary deeds have inspired the nation.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | Yangcheng Pai
