CRI听力:To Make a Living after Sichuan Earthquake

In Sichuan, survivors of the massive quake have now readjusted their lives in the aftermath of the disaster, including finding new ways to make a living.

CRI's Xiangwei explains.

Tourism has replaced farming as the pillar industry of the local economy in this small village of Qiang ethnic minority in Sichuan.

29-year-old local resident Wang Chengbo started the first local-flavored restaurant in the village in 2009.

"It's really busy, much busier than last year. Some days we receive 50 customers or so, other days it might be 10 times more. But our capacity couldn't meet the demand, so there pops up many other restaurants and small hotels in our village, which is good, because we can promote Qiang culture. The food we make comes from natural materials without pollution."

Not far from the village, Huang Yizhang in his 50s is welcoming crowded customers in his sweets store on a newly-opened shopping street.

After the quake, 80% of Beichuan County's constructions were broken. So it's relocated to a safer place 20 kilometers away from the original location. The business street is part of the reconstruction.

Huang Yizhang and his assistant are beating hot syrup with a sledgehammer to produce hand-made peanut sugar.

"I hope I can bring some fresh air by introducing my product here, especially after the devastating earthquake. It's a special way to show my support to Beichuan people. I think highly of Beichuan's economic future. Because the traffic is good, management is helpful, and local people's passion for life is stronger than before."

Huang invested 300,000 yuan, or 50,000 US dollars in the store. He hopes to fully recover costs in one year.

For CRI, I'm Xiangwei.