Starting in the 1960s, the story is set in Jiwo Village, a Miao village in western Hunan. It depicts the turbulent life of a rural young man named Along. Born into poverty, he endured famine and prejudice. He fell in love with his classmate Xiaofang, yet they parted ways due to family status gaps.
He later married Amei through an introduction and strove relentlessly amid harsh times. Witnessing the transition from the agricultural era to the industrial, information and intelligent age, Along grew into an ethnic culture expert through perseverance and constant learning. He published numerous works and received many honors.
After retirement, he founded a studio to preserve the cultural heritage of the Miao people in western Hunan. With lifelong dedication, he pays tribute to generations of grassroots builders of New China who forge ahead against hardships.
