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"At the beginning we had people presenting before the camera their fascinating life and persona. In recent years, however, we've been trying to dig further by emphasizing people's positive impact on society. We are looking for people who apply innovative approaches to solving development issues, such as sustainability, the growing gap between urban and rural areas and waning cultural heritages."

This year, the award went to 10 people including Brian Linden from the US who restored an antique house in Dali, Yunnan province. The Linden family invested almost all their savings into the restoration of the Old Yang Mansion, a State-listed historical site, 10 years ago. They've revived its past glory by turning it into an acclaimed luxury hotel and international culture venue, Linden Center.

Linden first came to China in 1984 as a student and worked as a photographer for the Columbia Broadcasting System.

"I was a young fella, aimless and with no dream 30 years ago. China has been a mentor who has been supporting and guiding me," he said in fluent Chinese at the awards ceremony.

"The Linden Center is to repay my teacher, China. We wish to do our best to protect the eroding Chinese traditions.

"The material standards of living have improved a lot. It's time that every one of us contribute our efforts to the preservation of culture."

Lai the chief director says the program is not only entertaining with breathtaking views of China, but also tells inspiring stories of people's lives in China.

"The Chinese title of the program is 'bo ke', literally meaning a vagrant guest. We are all passing travelers on the planet, and there has got to be something we can leave to the land," he says.

The awards ceremony will be aired on Tianjin Satellite TV and Phoenix TV on Nov 16.

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