In this file photo taken on Sept. 10, 2012, Liu Yandong (2nd R, Front) visits teachers and students in Beijing Normal University as to celebrate the 110th anniversary of its founding, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua)

Liu Yandong is the only female among the four vice premiers, as well as the fourth female vice premier in the history of the People's Republic of China after former vice premier Wu Yi. Liu is also the first woman to enter the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee twice, as well as the first female head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and the first chairwoman of the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF).

When in charge of the ACYF, Liu initiated Project Hope, which has helped to build elementary schools in less-developed areas and rural areas across the country. She also participated in the drafting of the first law designed to protect minors.

Liu associated with a lot of friends in different sectors when she led the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee. Some older non-Communist members can remember her name, even when they are too old to recognize their own family members. Liu went to Tibet nine times, visiting the Sakya Monastery at an altitude of 4,310 meters and exchanging ideas with monks.

In this file photo taken on June 3, 2010, Liu Yandong (2nd R) inspects the Huaxi Kindergarten in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua)

Liu visited Hong Kong for five days in 2004, taking part in 29 events and putting forward the idea that "patriotism is the root, unity is the key, development is the priority and self-improvement is the essentials," which is still fresh in the memory of Hong Kong people.

Liu was in charge of education, science, culture, sports and other sectors when she was state councilor from 2008 to 2013. She presided over the draft of a guideline for a mid- and long-term education reform and development plan, promoted the implementation of a nutrition improvement plan for students in rural areas and presided over the creation of suggestions for the deepened reform of the scientific and technological system and accelerating the construction of the state innovation system.

She organized the implementation of a number of important scientific and technological projects in the fields of electronics and information, energy and environmental protection, bio-pharmaceutical science and advanced manufacturing. Liu was also chairwoman of the Chinese side in China-Russia, China-U.S., China-U.K. and China-European high-level cultural exchange mechanisms and chairwoman of the Confucius Institute Headquarters.