Liu Xuerong (R) helps a professor from Shanxi Agricultural University check the health of an alpaca in Pingli village, Yangqu county, Shanxi province, July 10. Liu, who once earned his living planting crops on a 6,600-square-meter plot in Pingli village, bringing in an annual income of 6,000 yuan ($897), never dreamed of getting out of poverty through breeding alpacas. Liu now earns a monthly wage of 3,000 yuan ($449). [Photo/Xinhua]

Liu Xuerong (L) listens to a professor from Shanxi Agricultural University describe how to make fine feed for the alpacas in Pingli village, Yangqu county, Shanxi province, July 10. As an alpaca breeding base was built in the village by Shanxi Agricultural University and a local company in 2014, Liu decided to start breeding the Australian creatures. The breeding base makes its money through breeding cubs, selling woolen products, and attracting tourists who come to view the alpacas. [Photo/Xinhua]