Xiapingfeng village in Ningde, Fujian, on Jan 15. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Hope after hardships

Several hundred kilometers to the north, in the mountainous areas of eastern Fujian, survival once overshadowed any discussion of development.

In July 1989, a once-in-a-century flood struck Xiadang township in Shouning county. Xiapingfeng village was hit the hardest, with more than 30 houses destroyed. Among the victims was Yang Shangbiao, who lost four family members, including two brothers.

"Our family was in a desperate situation," Yang recalled.

Yang remembers a significant visit that came at a time of despair. Xi, then Party chief of Fujian's Ningde prefecture, arrived to comfort families affected by the disaster, offering not only material assistance but also encouragement to rebuild.

Xi insisted on entering the village even after the flood destroyed the entire roadbed, leaving barely any visible road foundation.

Together with local officials, Xi took careful steps along the muddy riverbank and walked for 3 kilometers in the rain to reach the village.