In Tibet, two lives merge like great rivers

The pair married in 2004 over the initial objections of her mother and father. "I convinced them by promising that we would never abandon each other," she said.

Li said he had some initial difficulty living in a Tibetan village. He had to adjust to a different diet, as well as unfamiliar social customs and language.

"As time has passed, these things are no longer barriers," he said. "Now I can chat with Tibetan villagers in their language, and we always hang out together," Li said, noting that Yudron is "very supportive of my special hobbies and habits".

The pair worked hard to make a better life after their marriage. Yudron has a traditional weaving business, while Li is a mobile welder. They have two daughters.

Through talent and hard work they have prospered. Yudron has passed on traditional weaving skills to more than 20 women in the village, and Li has trained a few welders.