Lu Shaokun, from Huaiyuan ancient town in Yizhou, turns 101 this year.

The centenarian claims there a few simple things when talking about living a long and healthy life.

Lu Shaokun, 101, poses with her daughter Liao Jizhen, 70. [Photo by Wei Kewen/hcwang.cn]

One of those things is singing every day. "She has had this hobby for years," says Lu's 70-year-old daughter, Liao Jizhen. "She started it in her 90s as a way of helping her get to sleep; now she sings all the time."

Lu also likes to take regular walks around her neighborhood by the river, if weather permits. But it's not all healthy living and fruit and vegetables that have kept Lu going.

"She likes to eat fried food and desserts," says her grandson Long Yiming. "She used to drink a bowl of homemade wine every day, but later gave that up to maintain her health."

A positive mental outlook helps Lu enjoy her life and not worry about getting older or illness. Liao says she learned from her mother that "all things will mend". She said the family is able to face difficulties with the help of Lu's long-learned wisdom.

Lu is not alone when it comes to racking up the years in Huaiyuan. The town's fresh air and water has produced another 60 people over the age of 80.