The first project, which was started before the official launch of the foundation, helped 200 elderly people with cataract in the Tibet autonomous region.

In September, the foundation's staff members traveled more than 5,000 kilometers and covered five towns in Tibet, aiding more than 4,000 people.

Wang could not join the team during the whole journey, but the photos and videos of it touched him.

"I felt shocked and sad. But when I knew I helped them see the light again, I also felt inspired. I hope the fund can be expanded to help more people," Wang says in a promotional video.

"I am lucky and happy. I have the opportunity to see the colorful world and feel the beauty of life. In fact, my original intention was very simple－I try my best to help others and make more people happy," he says.

Li Ningyun, a senior at Tsinghua University, has been a fan of Wang for more than three years.

"Wang Yuan's focus on charity has had an impact on me," Li says. "I joined the volunteers' group in our department to try and do something for others. I also helped to organize the students in our department to reach out to children in remote areas."

"People might question the birthday celebrations and call them exaggerated, and say that fans spend too much time and money on these idols," says Li, "but I know a lot of fans who strike a balance between their real life and these activities. We actually become more hardworking and care more about public welfare."

Contact the writer at yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn