Mothers and children of the Sichuan Earthquake – then and now

Chen Xiurong, 41, and her daughter Xu Jianle, 7. (Left in 2013 and right in 2017) Chen lost her older daughter in the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. Chen now works as a local tour guide, and still sheds a tear when visitors ask her about the quake. Her daughter Xu also still likes to tell people about her bigger sister. [Photo:VCG]

Shang Xingping, 40, and her daughter Wang Yuxuan, 8, with son Wang Ziqian, 6. (Left in 2013 and right in 2017) Shang lost two sons in the Sichuan Earthquake nine years ago. These days, if she is asked about her family, she says she has 4 children but two are not at home. Shang said she doesn't care if her children get good grades at school or become very successful. She just wants them to be healthy and happy. [Photo:VCG]

Li Xiuhua, 46, and her daughter Deng Qiqian, 7. (Left in 2013 and right in 2017) Li lost both her daughters in the Sichuan earthquake and then her husband died in 2016. She and her daughter moved to another city after her husband's death. She drops off Qiqian at school early in the morning before going to work, picking her up again each evening at dusk. [Photo:VCG]

Sun Guozhang, 46, and her daughter Yuan Shiyi, 6. (Left in 2013 and right in 2017) Sun lost her only son in the Sichuan Earthquake. Having a daughter has been a huge comfort for her, helping her deal with the grief she felt since the earthquake. Her family now runs a small grocery store. Business is not good, but she and her husband are still trying to give Shiyi the best they can offer. [Photo:VCG]

Zhang Shijing, 42, and her son Mingjie, 7. (Left in 2013 and right in 2017) Zhang lost her son in the Sichuan Earthquake. He's buried in a cemetery not far from her home. She used to go to her son's grave and stayed there for a long time. But after the birth of her son Mingjie, Zhang now is more positive towards life. [Photo:VCG]