As graduation looms for many Chinese college students, tough life choices have to be made. And a difficult one is this: to stay in China's big cities or head to less developed areas? It's a no brainer for many graduates, as big cities mean a better quality of life, more career opportunities, and much room for personal development.

As a recent graduate with a master’s degree, Du Jinsong seems out of place with the pristine landscape.

Choosing to work in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan Province, he prepared himself beforehand.

Even so, seeing this village in person came as a shock to him.

"The landscape is stunning, and the people are so hospitable. But the villages here are so backward, and the quality of life here is very poor compared with big cities. This combination of beauty and poverty is striking to me," Du said.

The villagers here are predominantly Tibetans. To reach them, you’d have to travel for hours on these mountain roads. The average altitude is over 3,000 kilometers. The villagers mainly rely on agriculture. Many are still struggling, with income levels below the poverty line.

Education levels are low, and talents are rare.

However, Du Jinsong believes his knowledge and modern ideas could make a difference.

"I longed for a life as a white collar worker who earn lots of money, and live a quality life. But when I saw all this, I thought, life is not just about how I could live better. It’s also about how I can help others," Du said.

At the prefectural government, Du Jinsong is meeting his predecessors for the first time.

These young men and women are all university graduates. Like Du Jinsong, they gave up well-paying jobs at prestigious companies in pursuit of their dreams.

It’s a difficult choice, with tough consequences unbeknownst to the newcomer.

"I came from the outside. There’s a huge contrast which made me feel very uncomfortable at first. You get allergies and altitude sickness. The winter is so cold, so much colder than in Beijing," said Liu Furong, Renmin University graduate.

300 kilometers away in Chengdu City, Du Jinsong’s father works as a cook at a small noodle shop.

"We come from the countryside. Life is hard. Where he's going is the same situation. I was very much against his decision. I wanted him to work at a company in Chengdu. But he convinced me otherwise. He said he could really realize his value in the countryside," Du said.

Du Jinsong really feels the weight of his parents’ concern and support.

"It’s a 15-hour drive back home. From now on, it’ll be hard for me to see my parents and grandparents. I hope many years down the road, I can achieve something; I can look back and say I didn’t spend my youth in vain," Du said.

And so with a heart full of hope and confidence, Du Jinsong begins his journey.