Liu's hometown, Duanjiawan village, nestled deep in the mountains, was not an ideal place to start a career.

In 1978, the village didn't have a doctor. Liu, setting her mind on taking the college entrance examination, was persuaded by her father, then village Party chief, to take a course organized by the local government to train villagers to become doctors.

"You're the only one who has been to high school in the village, who else can I turn to, if not you?" Liu recalls her father's words.

Liu then embarked on her career as a village doctor. In the beginning, she bought lots of books and consulted with professionals, gradually mastering the relevant skills.

She never charges villagers for her visits. With many pains relieved and illnesses cured, Liu has gained the trust of local villagers. From 2006, she even started to receive patients from a neighboring village, as their doctor was about to retire.

Liu has also imparted much of her knowledge in the classroom. In 1988, when its only teacher had left, the Duanjiawan primary school suspended classes for two months. Liu stepped up again, becoming a substitute teacher.