Helping others knows no ethnic boundaries, and when hearts are united, we are one family, said Xinjiang philanthropist Alimujiang Halike, who describes himself as an ordinary person who simply loves to help others.

Alimujiang is a national moral model and a person who moved China, and people affectionately call him the "kebab philanthropist." Born in Hejing County, Xinjiang, he was the only child in his family to attend high school.

In 1989, Alimujiang signed up for the military, and after three years he was discharged and returned home to work at a local supply and marketing cooperative. It was not until 1997 that Alimujiang, whose life had been peaceful, made a decision: he would leave his hometown. That year, he was 26 years old.

At first he endured many hardships, and after wandering from place to place, he arrived in Bijie, Guizhou, where with the help of a local tavern owner he set up a barbecue stall. The warmth of the people of Bijie made him feel deeply cared for, so he decided to stay, becoming the first person from Xinjiang to sell kebabs in Bijie.

The warmth he felt in this land was something he also wanted to pass on to more people. The various ethnic groups in Guizhou have treated me very well, he said. During the Rongjiang flood, he set everything aside and rushed to the disaster area; during the Gansu earthquake, he cooked 28 large pots of pilaf for an entire week. Taking part in these activities represents the love of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and I feel very honored, he said.

On the day of the interview, he brought steaming hot pilaf to visit his disabled friend Liu. His wife said, What he does is good, and I support him. Liu said, We are closer than biological brothers. Alimujiang said, Xinjiang is not only beautiful in scenery, but even more beautiful in its people, beautiful in mutual help and unity and friendship.