Zhao has donated 10 U disks (a hard drive in USB form) containing teaching materials as well as 200 books he has collected over his career to Kashi University since last year.

He said the students were at a critical age in which their outlook on the world and life is being shaped, so he worked to bridge the age gap between them.

Zhao also integrated elements of Xinjiang history into his classes.

For example, he highlighted the life story of the five Uygur martyrs, including Ehmetjan Qasimi, who dedicated themselves to boosting unity among ethnic groups and founding New China.

The students seem to have appreciated his efforts.

"He is passionate about illustrating history using vivid pictures and facts ... and he has a great sense of humor," said Horigul Abdukadir, a student at the university's School of Marxism. "We are very much impressed."