Shanghai and Dujiangyan have forged close ties over 2,000 kilometers by working together in post-quake assistance projects.

After a massive 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan on May, 12, 2008, Shanghai responded by establishing a helping relationship with Dujiangyan, one of the most severely damaged regions in the province, quickly laying out plans for a reconstruction project.

Heaven Road

A section of the winding Heaven Road in Hongkou town of Dujiangyan, Southwest China's Sichuan province, April 24, 2011. [Photo by Yan Weijue/chinadaily.com.cn]

Puhong road, also known as Heaven Road for the difficulty of going through the mountains, was built by thousands of Shanghai workers who were mobilized for the project after the quake destroyed the only road linking Hongkou town in Dujiangyan to the outside world.

In a span of two years, the builders worked around the clock, and their efforts are being paid off. Thanks to Puhong road, Hongkou has quickened its pace to becoming a tourism spot again. Relying on its mountainous advantage, it offers new tourist attractions including rock climbing, camping, rafting, riding and beach volleyball.

Yijiequ community project

The Yijiequ community project, in the northeastern part of downtown Dujiangyan, is a design program launched by Shanghai and designed by Tongji University. It is named after another community in Shanghai.

A view of affordable housing in Yijiequ community in Dujiangyan, April 24, 2011. [Photo by Yan Weijue/chinadaily.com.cn]

Occupying an area of 350,000 square meters, the community aims to create a comprehensive neighborhood that includes affordable houses (300,000 square meters), schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and a library.

The project was completed in August 2010. Approximately 9,000 quake victims from Dujiangyan have moved to new houses in the community.

Heart of Gratitude

"We cannot thank Shanghai people more. They treat us like brothers, lending us a hand in need," Hong Hao, an official with the local government, said Sunday.

Shanghai has signed agreements for 117 assistance projects with Dujiangyan, valued at 8.2 billion yuan, according to sichuan.scol.com.cn. Altogether, 12,000 workers from Shanghai dedicated themselves to the projects.

"The quake brought us closer," he added.