Lan Lan: A year of change and confidence

Best story: I wrote a series of reporter's logs when I attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December, I touched upon big topics from a number of angles prompted by my personal observations, ranging from the security situation in Paris after the terrorist attacks in November, divergences of understanding on the sensitive issue of differentiated responsibilities, and the crucial bilateral relations between China and the United States in climate talks. Some readers told me the logs were a nice introduction to Paris, as well as the conference!

Most interesting people: A couple, Li Yang, who used to be an executive officer at an international NGO, and Anthony, a linguist from the Netherlands, who left their comfortable life in Beijing and set up a nonprofit organization in a rural area of Hongde, Yunnan province. They organize various activities for about 200 local children outside of normal school hours. The parents of about one-fourth of the children are addicted to drugs, so Li Yang and Anthony try their best to build a separate warm and happy family for the children.

Best Interview: In October, I interviewed Henry "Hank" Paulson, the former US Treasury secretary. He touched on some core issues about China's economy and future growth. Paulson said he does not focus much on growth and targets because figures such as 7 percent or 6 percent are not very meaningful yardsticks, and it is natural for a country's economy to slow down as it matures. He also said high reliance on government investment simply sows the seeds for a problem down the road, and people now have an opportunity to invest in clean energy and environmental goods and services in China.

Most memorable reporting experience: The UN Climate Change Conference, where for the first time more than 190 countries reached universal agreement about cutting emissions of greenhouse gases. There was much applause, and great cheers and hugs in Le Bourget, Paris, when the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius brought the gavel down on the deal.

Best quote: "A dream is not something others can give you."

Lindy Li, who was born in Chengdu, Sichuan province, but moved to the United States when she was age 5. Li is running for a seat in the US House of Representatives in this year's elections.