In the 1940s, two young Americans - a physicist and a cowboy - came to China. They fell in love with each other and also with the country, both throwing themselves into the campaign of building a new China.

Their son, Yang Heping, who was born and brought up in China, sits down with China Daily to share the most extraordinary stories of his family and all the excitement and confusion they felt as witnesses to China's growth.

Related story: American calls Chinese birthplace his real home

Reporter: Christie Lee

Video: Christie Lee

Studio director: Cong Fangjun & Zhang Xiao

Videographer: Lou Yi & Lin Hanqing

Producer: Flora Yue

Photos provided by Yang Heping