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Baoxing gets back to business, but quake fears linger

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Six days after the Sichuan earthquake, residents in the county seat of Baoxing were still dealing with the aftershocks and living in tents.

Shu Wei, his wife Yang Xiaoli and younger daughter mourn the family’s 5-year-old elder daughter who was killed in last Saturday’s earthquake in Lushan county, Sichuan province.[Photo/China Daily]

But lingering fear and daily inconvenience have failed to prevent many from resuming normal life.

Known as the hometown of the panda, Baoxing receives more than 1 million tourists a year. While most hotels in North Muping Street — the busiest commercial area in the county — remained closed, some restaurants, supermarkets and clothing shops have resumed business.

Peng Huaixia runs a sportswear store on the street. She arrived at 8 am on Friday, half an hour earlier than usual, as she couldn't sleep well in a tent. Her shop has been confirmed as safe by the authorities, although she is worried about aftershocks.

"The rent is more than 100 yuan ($16) a day and I can't afford to lose money with two kids to raise," said Peng, who has a bruised left cheek after falling during last Saturday's quake.

To her relief, the business has not been affected by the earthquake, "maybe because many people can't wash clothes and had to shop for some", she said.

Peng, 37, originally from neighboring Tianquan county, and her husband spent all their savings — 120,000 yuan — on a 50 square meter apartment in Baoxing a few years ago.

"The government said it is uncertain about whether it is still habitable now. But I'm afraid there are cracks and holes in the wall," she said.

Opposite the sportswear store stands a barbershop named after the owner, Wang Litao. The 44-year-old, who is still living in a tent at Baoxing Stadium, and her apprentice have been kept busy since the shop reopened on Friday morning.

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