He Jiaolong's story included in Xinjiang's government work report

The story of He Jiaolong, a government official-cum-social media influencer who recently died after falling from a horse while filming a work-related program, was included in a government work report delivered on Tuesday at the annual regional legislative session of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Presenting the report, Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the region, said He "dedicated her life to serving the people", adding that she was among a group of grassroots figures whose touching deeds "have composed a moving symphony in which hearts are connected, emotions resonate, aspirations align, and strengths unite across all ethnic groups".

He rose to national prominence in 2020 by building a public persona on social media, using short videos and livestreams to promote local agricultural specialties and tourism. Her Douyin account has attracted 6.67 million followers and 70.8 million likes through some 800 short videos.

At the time of the accident, He was serving as director of Xinjiang's agricultural product brand development and marketing service center, which operates under the regional department of agriculture and rural affairs.

Xinjiang Daily reported that on Jan 11, she fell from a horse and sustained a severe head injury while conducting preliminary filming for an agricultural e-commerce program in Bole city, Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture. She passed away on Jan 14 at the age of 47.

On Friday, a newly bred pink rose variety developed by the flower research institute of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences was named "Jiaolong" in tribute to the official, following public suggestions and widespread online support.