"No, I was not downhearted. I always stuck to my dream that I could unite my own career and China's development as one. I kept paying close attention to China. Generally, there were many opportunities coming up there. But for me, I still needed a suitable way to make the most of my advantages."

Yang didn't find this way until 2006, when the Zhengtai Group, China's number one low-voltage apparatus manufacturer, and one of the top ten private companies, provided the opportunity. As the concept of new energy became more popular, Zhengtai needed a real expert to direct its transition. And Yang Liyou, the scientist, finally found new life and vigor back in China. He now believes China has seized its opportunities regarding the application of solar power.

"China's solar power industry is now developing at the same rate as the rest of the worlds. And when it comes to manufacturing, China is number one, with around a 30 percent market share and it's still increasing. That's why I feel so excited to come back to China and to work in this industry."

Yang Liyou and the Zhengtai Group soon founded a company which produces solar cells and photovoltaic plants. And Yang became the general manager. The business ran very well, almost going public, until the financial downturn arrived in late 2008.

"In September, we still often worked overtime, busy producing supplies to meet market demands. And all of a sudden, the whole financial market collapsed due to the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. That affected many European companies, our main clients. Therefore, in the last quarter of 2008 and the first half of 2009, there were no orders at all. It's been a rather difficult time."

The company had no choice but to postpone their plans of going public and intensify research on new products. However – all good things come to those who wait. This February, Zhengtai managed to produce the first thin film cells on the Chinese mainland. And last month, it announced a plan to build branches in Germany and the US. Yang thinks highly of the bright future of China's new energy industry.

"Who will be the winner eventually? It's hard to say. But I'm sure this industry will create 10 to 20 great companies, among which more than half will be from China."

What's more awarding, Yang Liyou's success has affected his two children, especially his eldest son. Yang says the Harvard student was kind of brattish before. But he has now grown to appreciate his father's work.

"Our communication is becoming more and more frequent. He comes back, observes the business, and talks with me. I think I will influence his life and career more or less in a good way. I guess he may feel a little bit proud of what I do now."

Yang always says it's eventually a matter of choice. He chose to be a useful kind of person, and to do a meaningful kind of job. Everyone should change the world for the better, based on his or her own efforts.

Thanks, Thomas.

You are listening to Heartbeat, the show that gets to the centre of China's ever-changing lifestyle, but still manages to discover the country's rich cultural history.

Protecting the environment isn't just about health and climate change.  It's also good for tourism.  One of Beijing's most popular tourist destinations is the Great Wall of China, located in the forested mountains outside the city.  Nillah Nyakoa takes us out for a visit. 

The Badalinng Great Wall

Thanks, Nillah.
You are listening to Heartbeat.

Jam Xiao Jingteng rose to fame with only three brief appearances in the first season of a singing competition reality show in Taiwan in 2007. He is a very quiet boy on TV. But he stuns his audience when he sings with his extremely powerful voice. Let's check out the song "Kai Dao Tu Mi" or "The Very Last Blossom" in his latest album "LOVE Moments".

Song

As always, you can find more information on our website at crienglish.com. Special thanks to the "China Now" team that helped make this show possible, and for everyone here at Heartbeat I'm Liu Yan. Thanks for listening.