In 2005, the travel-loving Jiang Juechi came alone to Zizhou, wild grasslands deep within the mountains of the Tibetan Region. Stung by the state of the orphans there, the result of frequent natural disasters, she decided to stay. But after just a few months, in terms of her health, her diet and her sleep, she felt she could no longer take it; she longed for home.

The global rights to Yak Butter Tea (酥油), a Dangdang.com best seller, will be handled by...