16 Years On, Earthquake-hit Yingxiu Shows the Power of Life

"Here, you will come to appreciate the value and joy of ordinary life," said Wang Qun, a 41-year-old guide at the Xuankou Middle School memorial site, as she narrated the stories behind each buried relic to visitors.

The school is located in Yingxiu, a town in southern Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. In 2008, a devastating 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Wenchuan, with its epicenter Yingxiu being one of the hardest-hit areas. About half of the town's population lost their lives. Today, the preserved ruins of the school serve as a poignant memorial to the earthquake, where time feels frozen.

Wang has been a guide here since 2016. During the earthquake, her four-year-old daughter was rescued from the ruins of her kindergarten and received psychological counseling at home for two years. During that time, numerous college students volunteered to mentor surviving children in Yingxiu, helping Wang’s daughter gradually emerge from the shadows with their companionship and communication.

"At first, I just wanted a job to support my family, but now I can say that I am fulfilling my own life value,” Wang said. She expressed her happiness and pride in having a job that allows her to create meaningful experiences for visitors. “All the guides at Xuankou Middle School are survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake.”

At the nearby Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Hall, 22-year-old Hu Yangzhou was providing visitors with a detailed account of the earthquake and the extensive disaster relief efforts that followed. Hailing from Guang’an, another city in Sichuan, Hu graduated from college only three months ago. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Party, the government, and the people of Yingxiu, this small town now boasts new infrastructure and a thriving tourism industry. When you speak with the residents of Yingxiu, you can feel their profound gratitude and courage in confronting life’s challenges. 

Between these two memorial sites is a restaurant called “Old Place.” According to its owner, Hu Liangbing, the name honors his deceased sister and the spirit of unity among the people of Yingxiu. The rescue efforts and support from the government and locals during the earthquake inspired him to give back to society. As a result, ‘Old Place’ has been providing free meals to those in need.

While the earthquake inflicted immense pain on the people of Yingxiu, the rebuilding process also sparked their optimism, kindness, and appreciation for life. 

“I believe Yingxiu will be better and better in the future,” said Wang. “We are a strong, strong community."

Earthquake ruins of Xuankou Middle School have become a memorial site in Yingxiu town, Sichuan province.

文字、排版｜高雨曦

图片｜高雨曦