"The day President Xi visited our village was the most unforgettable and happiest day of my life," he said.

"It's been a year since his visit and our village is getting better with all the electric wires moving underground."

Tsering is paid 1,800 yuan a month as an environmental protection controller, plus can do part-time work between patrols.

Married this year, the 38-year-old is expecting his first child in October.

Tsering was among the first group of environmental protection controllers in Chang-jiangyuan. But all villagers are aware of the need to protect the environment. They clean the village together on certain days every month.

Tsering's niece Paima Ga, 15, moved to the village when she was 3. She takes part in the cleaning duties. Her father is an environmental protection controller like her uncle. When her father is away for a few days, she knows he has gone to check the grasslands.

Each summer vacation, Paima Ga returns to the Tuotuo River area to watch traditional horse races.

"The grass now is better than before," she said.

Studying at Golmud Ethnic middle school, Paima Ga has adapted to a semiurban life.

"I like living here. I can make many friends, eat many vegetables and go shopping."

Paima Ga wants to study filmmaking.

"I want to be a director in the future," she said. "I can film the legends of the Tibetan ethic group and record the beautiful natural scenery of my hometown."