River deep, mountain high postwoman

It is not an easy job being the postwoman in the mountainous regions of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

But for the past 14 years that has been the hard task of Zhao Mingcui who has fallen from her motorcycle several times while delivering in Shiquan county.

The 40-year-old has to climb rugged mountain roads and rows across a river just to deliver letters and magazines in 14 villages of the county.

Zhao ditched her bicycle and bought herself a motorcycle and a small rowing boat to cross the Han River to serve the villagers on the other side.

Although the working conditions are poor, "I am happy to serve the people, and I will carry on the job until I could no longer walk." said Zhao.

Zhao Mingcui wears protective clothing to prevent injuries on the rugged mountain roads where she delivers letters and newspapers to Shiquan county, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, March 9, 2012. [Photo/CFP]