Li Jiapeng, 13, becomes the family's breadwinner in North China's Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A 13-year-old boy in North China's Shanxi province who works after school to support his disabled parents is the family's only breadwinner.

"I am the only man who can work at home; if I do not pick dates, my family would have no income!" said Li Jiapeng, who lives in Lyuliang county and has taken care of his disabled parents for eight years. Not even 1.6 meters tall, Li is the "backbone" of his family.

His parents are unable to work because his father has a vision disability, coupled with injuries from a car accident. His mother is hearing impaired and cannot speak, and it is difficult for her to take care of herself.

So at the age of 5, the young boy learned to carry water and cook. When he was 6 years old, he began to pick dates.

Every year, he is often trapped high up in the date trees, unable to come down. His hands and arms are covered with bloody marks from the branches.

Although life is hard, Jiapeng relies on his young body to support his family. Although he works after school, his studies haven't suffered. The results of the last school examination placed him as one of the top 10 students. There are several certificates of awards on the wall at home.