Gulaxiami, 4, elder daughter of Tajik herdsman Arimaner, makes a face in this November photo.

Sometimes, Gulaxiami also helps to prepare family meals. Meat, nang (a round, baked flatbread) and dairy products such as yogurt are essential foods for Tajiks, who believe those who step on salt or grain are sinners.

Kissing is an important gesture for them. When two men around the same age meet they will greet each other by kissing the back of the hand of the other person. When a young woman meets an elderly man, she will kiss the palm of the man.

The Tajiks never lock their doors at night because there is no stealing. If someone drops something on the vast grassland, a Tajik can wait for hours for the owner to return or put the item on a pile of stones so that it can be easily spotted from a distance.

"Tajiks are the most honest people I have ever met and I have learnt so much from them," Wang said. "Although their life is harsh and they don't have a lot of money, they are a lot happier than most people in the big cities because they are not greedy. They are grateful for what nature gives them."

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn