Zhang Qinfang, from Yinwang High School in Huize county was admitted to Peking University this year.

"I am especially grateful to the teachers for their help," Zhang Qinfang said. "As a child from the mountains, I hope more children will firmly believe that education can change their fate."

Yang Bin, director and associate professor of the Education Department at Yunnan Normal University, suggested that the key is to pay attention to local teachers who are willing to contribute to the education of their hometowns.

"We should have a systematic incentive mechanism for senior teachers and allow teachers to benefit over the long term," Yang said.