On Oct 1, or National Day, the People's Republic of China (PRC) celebrates its birthday. The PRC is turning 70 this year. Over the past decades, many people have helped China grow and develop through their hard work. China awarded (授予) 42 people as heroes of 70 years of the PRC, including both Chinese and foreigners, national medals (国家勋章) and honorary titles for the contributions (贡献) they have made toward the country's success. Eight people were received the Medal of the Republic (共和国勋章), six foreigners were received the Friendship Medals, and 28 people were received the National Honorary Titles (国家荣誉称号). For example, Yuan Longping is known as the Father of Hybrid Rice. Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for the discovery of artemisinin(青蒿素), a group of drugs used to combat malaria, is the first Chinese woman to win the prize.
