After three years, he learned a great deal about canal digging and was determined to achieve his dream.

With his newfound knowledge and persistence, he raised money from the local government.

Starting in 1992, Huang oversaw the efforts of 200 people to dig the canal.

Their work paid off in 1995 when water rushed into Caowangba through a 7,200-meter main canal and 2,200 meters of branch canals.

With ample water now available, people were able to transform their nonirrigated farmland and grow rice. Huang then helped the village increase the rice-growing area to 48 hectares.

The same year, the village gained access to electricity, and a new road was built. All three projects were overseen by Huang.

He also helped build two schools－one in the 1960s and another in the 1990s.

As the days passed, the villagers increased their incomes thanks to the improved land and living conditions. Huang's efforts won him the titles of "National Model Worker" and "Model of the Times".

Following retirement, he occasionally gives inspirational talks to young Party members about the difficult process of canal building and the hardships undertaken by CPC members.

Yang Fan contributed to this story.