Earlier this month, China unveiled its list of the top ten oldest people alive. Five people from northwest China's Uygur Autonomous region made it onto the list. Li Nan takes a look at some of the oldest living Chinese in Xinjiang, and their secrets of longevity.

127-year-old Alimihan lives in a distant village in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region. In a recent list released by the Chinese government, she was recognized as the oldest person alive in China.

127-year-old Alimihan lives in a distant village in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region. In a recent list released by the Chinese government, she was recognized as the oldest person alive in China.

"I am sound and healthy." Said Alimihan.

At such an advanced age, Alimihan seldom walks now. But she still helps with some chores. For her age, she has remarkably good eye-sight and a good appetite.

"Her appetite is the same as us. She eats a bowl of pilaf every meal, and sometimes more, when there are dumplings." Said Alimihan's grandson.

A local doctor comes to check her blood pressure every other day. He says Alimihan is as healthy as anyone can be. Longevity runs in her family. Alimihan's father died at the age of 130 years. Born in 1886, during the Qing Dynasty, she has recently welcomed a new great grandson into the family.

"I hope I can see him grow up, just like my other grandsons and great grandsons." Said Alimihan.

Not far from where Alimihan lives, 120 year-old Yakup is busy feeding sheep at home. He is listed as the third oldest person alive in China. His secret of longevity constant field work.

"Before retiring, I had worked on the farmland for 30 years. Now I have 4 or 5 sheep. I feed them every day, otherwise they will starve." Said Yakup.

"Apart from corn naan and tea, my father in law has nothing else for his meals. He walks every day, and helps feed the horses and herds of other animals. He never stops. I guess that's the secret of his longevity." Said Yakup son in law

In Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there are over 1,400 people above the age of 100.

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