In surveillance footage, an elderly man suddenly fell on a zebra crossing while crossing the road. A young woman riding an electric bike with a child saw this, without hesitation, quickly turned around, approached the elderly man, got off the bike to check on him, and helped him up. Meanwhile, the child thoughtfully picked up the elderly man's fallen hat and dusted off the dirt on it...

This touching scene, which occurred around 2:40 pm on October 12, 2023 near the Sunshine Foreign Language School of No.25 Middle & Primary School in Panzhihua City, once warmed netizens across the country.

On July 21, 2025, Panzhihua City held a promotion conference on urban civilization construction, and the story of the mother and son helping the elderly attracted attention again. Looking back at that scene in the video today, it still stirs the heart and brings a sense of warmth.

On August 4, the mother and son were interviewed. The mother, Bao Shufan, 32, is an individual business owner in Dong District. The child, Yang Hongjie, 9, studies at Panzhihua Sunshine Foreign Language School.

"Every family has elderly people. When someone is in trouble, we should lend a hand. That's the kindness rooted in the bones of Panzhihua people," Bao Shufan said calmly but firmly, recalling the experience.

At that time, as Bao Shufan bent down to help the elderly man, her son Yang Hongjie, who had just entered primary school, was also sensible enough to pick up the elderly man's fallen hat and carefully dust it off. It was quite strenuous to help the elderly man alone, so several other citizens came over to assist, and together they helped the elderly man to the roadside.

When this warm scene was recorded and spread by media at all levels, many netizens were full of praise, calling Panzhihua a warm city.

It was later learned that the elderly man helped by the citizens was 92 years old at that time. He came to Panzhihua to work and live in 1969 due to participating in the Third Front Construction. Thanks to the timely help of citizens, the elderly man was not injured. His daughter, Ms. Yu, said, "My father has led our family to work and live in Panzhihua for more than 50 years. Having gone through tough times, my father, like all old builders who participated in the Third Front Construction, has always worked diligently and conducted himself honestly. He often teaches us to follow our conscience in life and work. We are very grateful to the kind people who offered help, and there are many enthusiastic citizens. Both my father and I are proud to live in a city built with our own hands."

It is reported that Bao Shufan's grandfather was also a "Panzhihua First Generation" who participated in the Third Front Construction.

"I am a 'Panzhihua Third Generation', and our family now has four generations living together," Bao Shufan said with a happy smile. During her growth, her elders taught her to conduct herself honestly and inherit the fine traditions of the older generation.

"At that time, I was not doing it alone. Seeing everyone come to help fully shows that in Panzhihua, there is no need to hesitate about 'whether to help or not'. The sincerity and trust among citizens are the answer," Bao Shufan said. This kindness rooted in the heart is the most precious civilization gene of Panzhihua.

Yang Hongjie's behavior when helping the elderly also left a deep impression on netizens. A netizen commented, "The mother set a great example for the child!" In response, Bao Shufan said with satisfaction that her son had just entered the first grade of primary school at that time. To make it easier to pick him up and take care of him, and to let him receive a better education, she specially moved her store from Renhe District to Bing 3rd District in Dong District.

"When I saw my mom go to help the elderly, I followed to help. My mom and I did a good deed together, and I felt a great sense of achievement. I will continue to do good deeds in the future," the 9-year-old Yang Hongjie said openly.

In May 2025, the Central Leading Group for Propaganda, Ideology and Cultural Work issued the Decision on Recognizing and Naming the 7th National Civilized Cities, Civilized Towns and Villages, Civilized Units, and the 3rd National Civilized Families and Civilized Campuses, awarding Panzhihua the title of "National Civilized City".

Bao Shufan sighed, "In the past, 'Good people and good soldiers went to the Third Front'. The Third Front Construction not only built this city but also shaped its spiritual totem, leaving the most precious civilization genes for the city. It is well-deserved to be awarded the title of 'National Civilized City'. 'In the future, my child and I will continue to inherit this civilization gene, making civilization a habit and taking action when needed.'" (Text/Photos by Liu Jing, Chen Xin)