The Main Page

A misfortune creates optimism across the Taiwan Straits

The earthquake brings China and Taiwan closer than they have ever been in recent years. Are decades of animosity now finally coming to an end?


All about aftershocks

The disaster doesn't just end with the initial tremor. In fact it could go on for a long while.


Quake orphans

Scores of people want to adopt children who are left without family by the earthquake, but what are the rules?


National Treasure

Sichuan province is home to China's panda breeding programmes. What happened to these endangered creatures after the quake? A video reveals more.


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

Teachers put their students before themselves without hesitation and gave their lives for them. Read some of the most moving stories to emerge from the ruins.


China's irrepressible youths

Born of the nation' “one-child policy”, they are known as the little emperors and empresses. But in the country's moment of need, they rise to the occasion and prove that they are more than spoilt brats.


Voices from the quake zone

People affected speak out words of incredible strength.


Sichuan, before

The difficult terrain makes this province a harsh environment, even without the earthquake.


Aid at work

We check out the background of international aid organisations working on the ground in Sichuan and find those that can help you help the victims.


WAIT, THERE's MORE!


Do browse through the archives for our day-by-day reports on the first three weeks after the earthquake. You will find musical video montages, aid updates and latest developments from the scene.

Children's Day in China

Day 20, May 31, Saturday

Death Toll: 68,858
Injury Toll: 366, 586
Missing: 18, 618

Psychological wounds


One of the most famous children in Sichuan is Lang Jing, a kindergartener who saluted his rescuers from the stretcher on which they carried him out. He is now recovering in Xi'an and hospital psychologists are pleading with the public to stop visiting him.

Lang is still traumatised by houses collapsing and his mental state is still shaky. He doesn't speak much and is reluctant to leave his mother's side. He has had so many well-wishing visitors who learnt about his story in the media that he has not had time to rest.

His psychologists are appealing to those who care for him to let him rest more so that they can proceed with his treatment.


The Sichuan earthquake saw huge numbers of volunteers heading to the province to help with relief efforts. Several of them have returned from their initial stint and some are having problems adjusting, having been stretched to their physical and own psychological limits. They say they are getting restless, feeling irritable, emotional and a guilt that they are not doing enough, having left the disaster zone.

Experts are suggesting hypnosis to help deal with their problems.


Day 21, June 1, Sunday

Death Toll: 68,858
Injury Toll: 366, 586
Missing: 18, 618

Number of After shocks: 9, 762, 192 measuring 4 on the Ritcher scale


The Tangjianshan quake lake has finally been dredged through after six days of continuous efforts. However heavy rains have increased the water capacity in six other quake lakes which are posing a danger as well.

At the same time that the authorities are dealing with flooding and more heavy storms imminent, they are also having to manage water resources for more than 5 million people. So far they have ensured that water supplies are available, though additional water trucks are being been sent into the affected zones.


Chinese netizens have been posting well-wishing messages for the children affected by the earthquake. Memorials were held at schools which collapsed. Joss sticks and other burnt offerings were laid out and parents mourn for the children they lost three weeks ago. All over China, as children in other provinces celebrated " Children's Day" they donated school supplies and gifts for those in Sichuan.