Zhang has also started 60 classes for orphans and girls.

In a previous interview with China Daily, she said, "I will give the money raised by charity to the people and places most in need."

Her efforts began with a poverty relief campaign, launched in 1997 by the All-China Journalists Association, the former poverty alleviation development office of the State Council and the former China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, that she joined along with 100 reporters from across the nation.

During her first trip to Liangshan, she was shocked to discover residents' poor living conditions, the disastrous weather and diseases they had endured, and the rampant drug abuse in the area.

This motivated her to write a series of in-depth features about the "missing world" in Liangshan for Tianjin Daily.

Zhang's stories moved many readers to join her poverty relief efforts in the mountains.

"I never thought that numerous readers would share my feelings," she said.

Inspired by her, some charity organizations offered support. In 2010, a charitable workshop was set up at her newspaper.

She recalled "braving rugged terrain, challenging roads and often unpredictable weather conditions", as she visited the most remote areas of the region, frequently encountering floods, thick mud and landslides.

In a diary entry from 2004, Zhang wrote: "When we think of ourselves, our bravery is too little, our hearts are too narrow and our eyesight is too short … but when we have the grassroots in our hearts, our respect and courage grow, and as a result, life's value emerges."

Zhang said she remembers holding those poor children in her arms.

"They were weak and fragile, but I'm delighted to see they have grown taller than me, and now many of them have graduated from leading universities including Tsinghua University, Minzu University of China and the China University of Geosciences."

To her delight, Su and many young people from the Yi ethnic group have taken part in poverty relief campaigns.