While shooting footage for a volunteer teaching group, director Yunye Chen met Zhuoma, a young girl entering junior high who loved to dance. After spending a few days with her, Yunye went back home, but before parting, promised Zhuoma she would come back.

Two years later, upon returing to Western Inland China, Chen found that although the family's financial situation had improved, cultural traditions and Zhuoma's poor grades may force her to marry a suitor at a young age.