Chongqing School Opens to Its Two Students

Li Yongmin and his two students start the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing on Sept 2. [Photo by Ran Chuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Yongmin and his two students started the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county in Southwest China's Chongqing on Monday.

The 56-year-old is the only teacher at this rural school on a riverside in a mountain valley.

The number of students at the school has decreased significantly since the 1990s, from over 470 students to just two, as villagers migrate to nearby cities and towns for better jobs and living conditions.

"I am going to retire in four years," said Li, who has seen these changes over the years.

"I hope someone can take my position and keep the rural school going."

Li Yongmin and his two students start the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing on Sept 2. [Photo by Ran Chuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Yongmin and his two students start the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing on Sept 2. [Photo by Ran Chuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Yongmin and his two students start the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing on Sept 2. [Photo by Ran Chuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Yongmin and his two students start the new semester at Dahekou Primary School in Youyang county, Southwest China's Chongqing on Sept 2. [Photo by Ran Chuan/for chinadaily.com.cn]