The border section he monitors has never had incident of people or animals crossing. In recognition of his record, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Inner Mongolia Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station named Tumen an Advanced Individual in Frontier Defense Work and one of the Top Ten Outstanding Border Guards.

From stone roads to asphalt roads, from hiking to horseback to driving, Tumen has seen and felt the changes in his patrol. He has seen the transition from manpower alone to modern technology.

Tumen said the country is paying more attention to its border guards these days and has distributed cotton clothes, binoculars, walkie-talkies, night vision goggles and other equipment to everyone.

As the story of the his family's three generations of border guards spreads in the grasslands, more herdsmen have been inspired to volunteer. As a result, the border guard team of the Hulunbuir border management detachment has grown from dozens of people to nearly 600 people now.

Tumen's 19-year-old son, Huri, also plans to take over the responsibilities when his father retires.