Generations of Wang Ying’s family farmed the misty mountains of Liangshan, one of China’s poorest regions. But now, the 14-year-old girl lives on her own as the sole caretaker of her two younger siblings. They are among an estimated 9 million “left-behind children” raising themselves in the Chinese countryside.

"Down from the Cold Mountain" was directed by Max Duncan. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.

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