Chen and his wife opened a new shop in Yanmen town, Wenchuan county. The reconstruction work after the earthquake provided Chen with some opportunities.

“For example, schools at our county were so seriously damaged that many students arranged to study at schools in cities like Beijing and Shanghai for two or three years. To help the students remember their traditional culture, their parents came to my shop to buy Qiang ethnic costumes for accompany their children when they study in remote cities,” Chen said.

As his life has gradually improved, Chen thought of helping others, especially those who were injured by the disastrous earthquake.

“My wife and I decided to teach disabled people in the town the embroidery of the Qiang ethnic group, so that they can earn a living,” Chen said.