Reborn from Tragedy: A Survivor’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

Wang Qun, a 41-year-old woman, has embraced a new lease on life in Yingxiu County, the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake that struck on May 12, 2008. Once a housewife, she now works as a professional interpreter at the Wenchuan Earthquake Site.

Reflecting on the disaster, Wang's eyes welled up with tears. “My daughter was in kindergarten at the time. Many children in her school didn't survive, and she was rescued three hours after the earthquake.” Sixteen years have passed, but that devastating afternoon remains vivid in her memory. Her daughter has been receiving psychological counseling ever since.

 Wang is interpreting

Wang’s job involves guiding tourists through Xuankou Middle School, the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake. She underwent training before taking on this role. Yingxiu is home to 71 interpreters like Wang—each one a witness and survivor of the catastrophe. “I was just an ordinary housewife, but now I share the story of Wenchuan with tourists from around the world. I feel deeply honored.” Her work not only provides a source of income but also allows her to tell her story—often to over 2,000 tourists a day during the summer months.

Wang’s job is part of the employment opportunities created by the government in the aftermath of the earthquake. Through self-reliance, combined with nationwide support, the reconstruction of Wenchuan was fully completed three years after the disaster. Sichuan Province has achieved “employment for every household,” “protection for everyone” (including assistance for families in need, the elderly, orphans, and those disabled by the earthquake), as well as “improved facilities,” and “ecological enhancement.”

 Wang doing her job

Wenchuan’s revival was made possible with the help of various provinces and cities across the country. Gratitude is the word Wang most often used in her interpretive work. Since 2016, she has been committed to sharing the story of Wenchuan’s reconstruction and renewal with every visitor. As President Xi once said: “We must protect the earthquake site to make it an important base for patriotic education.” The spirit of solidarity and mutual aid exemplified in Wenchuan’s recovery reflects this patriotic commitment. 

Today, Wang Qun’s daughter is in college, allowing Wang to fully dedicate herself to her work. Like other survivors, she faces life with determination. Every year, on May 12, many survivors return to Wenchuan. They remain hopeful and will continue to carry that hope forward. “I was tongue-tied when I first started this job, but after sharing this hope for life with so many people, I now feel like my life has been elevated.” Wang Qun said, gazing at the distant mountains.

文字、排版｜包海涛

图片｜张智超