Gyalzur Tendol, a Swiss Overseas Chinese and Her Over 300 Chinese Children

On the Winter Solstice, the biting cold of Shangri-La did not deter tourists from around the world who were drawn to this earthly paradise. Located at the foot of Stone Card Snow Mountain, the Shangri-La Highland Craft Beer Brewery has become a must-visit spot for many visitors due to its unique barley beer and the touching story of Gyalzur Tendol, a mother figure to over 300 children.

"Some people are born to be mothers," said Ta Dolma, a Tibetan woman serving as the CEO in the brewery's hall filled with the aroma of beer. She pointed to a group photo on the wall and introduced it to the tourists, saying: "This kind-hearted grandmother is Gyalzur Tendol, an overseas Chinese from Switzerland who adopted more than 300 orphans. This brewery was also built to ensure employment for the children."

 Ta Dolma introducing the company's situation at the Shangri-La Highland Craft Beer Brewery on November 12. Photo by Liu Ranyang 

Gyalzur Tendol was an orphan herself, adopted by a German couple at the age of seven, living abroad for a long time before marrying a fellow overseas Chinese and having two sons. In 1990, during her first return to her birthplace Lhasa, she conceived the idea of helping orphans and underprivileged children. With the help of relevant authorities, she established two nurseries in 1993 and 1997 in Duilong Deqing District of Lhasa and her husband’s hometown of Shangri-La respectively, cumulatively adopting over 300 orphans. Among them was Ta Dolma.

"I and my brother were part of the first batch of children at the Shangri-La nursery; I was nine years old then," said Ta Dolma. "Gyalzur Tendol didn’t let us call her mom but rather grandma. She told us that everyone’s parents are irreplaceable."

In 2018, due to policy changes, all the children at the Gyalzur Tendol Nursery in Shangri-La were transferred to local children's welfare institutions. At the former site of the nursery, just a 15-minute drive from the brewery, traditional double-story Tibetan houses still retain the tables, chairs, kitchenware, and beds used in the past. Bulletin boards are plastered with children's smiling faces and photos of Gyalzur Tendol's family alongside the children. A robust pine tree stands proudly in the center of the courtyard, while swings and seesaws in the corner evoke memories of the children's childhood days.

 A photo taken on November 13 of the former site of the Gyalzur Tendol Nursery in Shangri-La City. Photo by Liu Ranyang

Ta Dolma recalled that there was a custom at the nursery where every night before bedtime, the children would line up to hug grandma and say goodnight. Grandma would give each child a small snack, whether it was a piece of candy, a chocolate bar, or a packet of spicy sticks.

"I lost my parents when I was young, and often had nightmares. After coming to the nursery, what I looked forward to most every day was the goodnight routine," said Ta Dolma. "Grandma was plump, and hugging her felt so secure. Getting a little treat made me especially happy, and even my dreams became sweeter."

In the nursery, four children shared one room, two older ones and two younger ones, with the older taking care of the younger. During the day, the children attended nearby schools for education, and they would return to the nursery in the evening to do their homework. On Friday and Saturday nights, they could watch two hours of color TV. During holidays, grandma would lead everyone in singing and dancing, capturing these precious moments with a DV camera.

"The school once proposed to waive tuition fees for the children at the nursery, but Grandma disagreed. She said, 'My children don’t need any discounts,'" said Ta Dolma. "She didn’t want us to be treated differently."

For over 30 years, the children from the nursery have gradually grown up; some have obtained doctoral degrees and work in Shenzhen, others have traveled far to Shanghai and Hangzhou for employment, while some remain in Diqing working in industries such as guesthouses, auto repair, and yoga. "My brothers and sisters are spread across the country, living ordinary yet happy lives, with not a single one going astray," said Ta Dolma.

To create more job opportunities for the children of the nursery, Gyalzur Tendol’s eldest son, Gyalzur Songtsen, decided after research to establish a brewery in Shangri-La, brewing the first locally-made beer. With support from the various levels of government in Diqing Prefecture and Shangri-La City, the Shangri-La Highland Craft Beer Brewery officially began production in 2015, introducing barley-brewed Shangri-La craft beers to the market. Subsequently, a series of Tibetan culture-infused craft beers like Fat Dolma, Black Yak, and Son Gha were developed and launched, selling widely in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and exported to countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and Australia. In 2016, "Black Yak" won a silver award at the "European Beer Star" competition in Germany.

 A photo wall inside the Gyalzur Tendol Nursery in Shangri-La City on November 13. Photo by Liu Ranyang 

After the brewery became profitable, most of the profits were used for the operation of the nursery, aiding underprivileged children, and prioritizing the recruitment of children who grew up in welfare institutions in Diqing Prefecture. Ta Dolma’s husband, Losang Tsultim, serves as the chief brewer at the brewery; he comes from the Duilong Deqing Nursery in Lhasa. Despite being thousands of miles apart, they met, fell in love, formed a family, and raised a lovely son due to Gyalzur Tendol.

In 2020, Gyalzur Tendol passed away in Zurich, Switzerland, due to illness, leaving her over 300 children forever.

"Grandma always said she didn't want to be a great mother but just a selfish one, content as long as we grew up safe and healthy," said Ta Dolma. "I want to tell her that I am very happy now and will continue to carry on her charitable endeavors, so she can rest assured."