Quake-striken villages in Yunnan bathed in warmth of Mid-Autumn Festival

Dai Cunfeng, 45, and Zhang Lianzhi, 68, celebrated this year's Mid-Autumn Festival not only with their family members but also their fellow villagers in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

On September 8, a 5.9 magnitude quake hit Mojiang, leaving 28 injured and over 160,00 residents relocated. Niuku village and Bingbang village, where Dai and Zhang ethnic groups lived, were among the most severely hit area by the quake.

A total of 182 people in the two villages were relocated. Now they all live in the tents provided by the local government. Quilts, blankets, folding beds, food, and water had been distributed to the affected residents by local quake relief agencies as well.

In order to assist with local disaster-relief efforts, the local publicity department in Mojiang decided to organize art performances to cheer them up.

Near the end of the performance at the Mid-Autumn Festival, fellows in Dai's village spontaneously started their ethnic stomp dance. Glittering in the moonlight, the villagers danced around in a circle hand in hand.

"Our village enjoys Mid-Autumn Festival together this year. And its boisterous atmosphere makes me feel warm inside my heart," said Dai. "Though our houses were damaged, the distance between our hearts is even closer as we live in tents together."

Just a few kilometers away from Dai's village, Zhang was holding a festival ritual with her fellows, decorating the table with preserved and fresh fruits. Two ethnic traditional pastries with red roses on them, each about 30 centimeters in diameter, were also served on the table.

Villagers put their palms together devoutly for a blessing. "We dedicate the pastries to the moon first, and after the ritual, the villagers will share the sacrifice, praying for peace, family reunion and happiness."

"The government is planning and constructing our new homes with special areas for animal breeding, as well as kitchens and bathrooms," said Dai.

"It is said that we can move there in next spring. If so, we will live a better live in the new house," Dai's husband said.

Editor: John Li