Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake

    BEIJING, July 8 -- The May 12 earthquake had a disastrous affect on traditional folk cultures in Southwest China. Temples and buildings of the Qiang people, and other ethnic groups, were damaged by the massive quake.

    The Ministry of Culture has drawn up an action plan to rebuild cultural facilities in the disaster-affected areas. Vice Cultural Minister Zhou Heping said urgent relief material and donations have been sent to prominent representatives of folk cultures.

    While accessing the damage done to the areas, local governments are already planning to build museums and schools to pass on the precious knowledge.

    At a May 30 meeting by the State Nationalities Affairs Commission, some 30 cultural experts discussed the challenges in preserving and revitalizing the ancient Qiang culture.

    An exhibition of Qiang cultural relics will be held in Beijing later this year and more books about the Qiang's history and folk customs are planned to be published.

    (Source: China Daily)