A student from a humble background who once worked odd jobs on construction sites to relieve his family from burdens has undergone a remarkable transformation through admission and education at China's top Tsinghua University.

Six years ago, Shan Xiaolong's admission to Tsinghua University caused a sensation, highlighting the stark contrast between his construction site job and his success in the national college entrance exam, the gaokao. He was admitted to the university's Department of Electronic Engineering with a score of 676.

On June 30, Shan was among 3,500 undergraduate students attending the commencement of the class of 2024. After graduating, he will continue his studies in the department, exploring the mysteries of artificial intelligence in his master's research.

Shan was born in 2000 into a farmer's family in Xiji county, Guyuan, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. His father, once a laborer, suffered a back injury that prevented him from continuing heavy work. His mother has been dealing with an eye disease for many years.