File photo shows Gu Qiao receiving treatment at hospital 19 years ago.

"Many thanks to all of you who gave me a second life", said 19-year-old Gu Qiao with a deep bow to the doctors of Xinqiao Hospital in Chongqing on Monday afternoon.

Nineteen years ago, conjoined babies Gu Xin and Gu Qiao were successfully separated after an operation that had never been successful across China in that year, reports Chongqing Morning Post on Tuesday.

On October 13, 1996, Gu Qiao and Gu Xin were born in Dazhu county, Daozhou city of Sichuan province. The new-born conjoined twin boys were sent to Xin Qiao hospital on Nov. 11, 1996 and underwent separated operation. The twin brothers were successfully separated after more than 10 hours of efforts.

File photo shows Gu Qiao coming back to hospital for a check.

Unfortunately, Gu Xin died one month after the operation from heart malformation, but Gu Qiao was lucky to survive and grown up. He took part in Gaokao or national entrance exam this year and was admitted by a university with a good score, 603 points. On Aug. 3, he came to Xin Qiao hospital and sincerely expressed his gratitude to all the medical workers who helped him.

The 19-year-old Gu Qiao (L) huging the doctor.