In the small Dian Village of Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet, a luxurious Tibetan-style house costing more than one million yuan stands out in the group of buildings. The owner of the house is Pudan, a former serf or "tools who can only speak" in the eyes of serf owners some 50 years ago. 

Tastefully furnished, the house is a typical Tibetan architecture. Twenty exquisite tables are laid out in the 70-square-meter living room. In the middle of the table there places some sets of brazen wine cups.

The owner Pudan, 65-year-old, is an experienced driver who has run a transport business for 20 years. 

With his brows knitted, Pudan recalled his miserable life as a serf. "We worked hard day and night, but we still couldn't finish the burdensome labor work. We had no enough food to eat and clothes to wear."

In 1983, Puda purchased a truck and started his shipping business. From then on, his destiny has been changed. With years and years of efforts, Pudan has become a fairly successful millionaire who owns six trucks.

In the previous year, he made an income after tax amounting to more than one million yuan.

However, Pudan is just one of those persons with millions of wealth in Dina Village. The per capita net income of villagers stood at 10,500 yuan in 2010, most of which came from transportation business.

The former serfs, who lived in disgrace are now dwelling in decent houses, better than their masters in the old Tibet.

"I have a construction team, so I can help more people to get employed," said Pudan.

Looking back, the smith, who lived in the lowest class in the old Tibet, was not as lucky as Pudawa from Lhatse County of Shigatse who makes Tibetan knife.

With the booming tourism, the Tibetan knife made in Pudan's shop has become popular among tourists and enjoy a good business at domestic and international markets.

According to Pudan, a knife with brazen sheath costs 150 yuan and a silver one is worth more than 1,800 yuan. With hereditary workmanship, Pudawa is able to earn an income of 50,000 yuan annually.

"The serfs had no freedom at all. But now we could choose whatever occupationss we like," said Lhakpa form Nierixiong Village, whose annual income has reached more than 60,000 yuan.

Lhakpa told the journalist that the local government has helped villagers move into new houses. By breeding milk cows and Tibetan chickens, villagers are able to live a comfortable life with decent income.

"I am going to attend the new round of election and run for villager carders this time," Lhakpa said. If he succeeds, he would serve the people wholeheartedly and lead them to prosperity.