Premier vists quake zone to give best wishes

Special Report:2009 Spring Festival

Pics: Premier Wen visits quake-hit Sichuan to extend new year greetings

Premier Wen Jiabao has visited Beichuan and Wenchuan counties in Sichuan Province. He gave his best wishes to survivors in some of the areas worst hit in last year's earthquake.

ChinesePremierWenJiabao(R)cooksatakitchenshared
byseveralfamiliesattheprefabsinYingxiuTownship
ofWenchuanCounty,southwestChina'sSichuanProvince,
Jan.25,2009.WenJiabaocametothequake-hitcounties
ofBeichuan,DeyangandWenchuaninSichuanProvinceon
Jan.24and25,celebratingtheSpringFestivalwithlocal
residents.(Xinhua/YaoDawei)

Mao'ershi village, home to Qiang ethnic group, was one of the most badly hit areas in Sichuan. All the houses were destroyed by the earthquake. Premier Wen Jiabao visited the newly built and relocated village, decorated for the holiday.

One of the villagers told the premier that it felt like a dream to now be living in a new house. Wen Jiabao expressed hope that the people there would have warmth and happiness over the holiday.

Premier Wen joined hundreds of locals who were celebrating the Spring Festival, singing their minority's songs.

Wen Jiabao made plans to spend the traditional Chinese new year with children in the quake zone a couple of months ago. He paid a seventh visit to the relocated Beichuan Middle School and encouraged the students there.

Wen Jiabao, Chinese Premier, said, "We must study hard and work hard. We have to learn how to be honest people and be useful, and to serve our country and people. "