Later, I was preparing to come to China when my Sichuan friend ordered jeans for her daughter.

But here, in Sichuan, we have seen generosity of a different order, coming from a most unexpected place - the quake's victims.

The Forestry Project will accelerate afforestation and improve management and exploitation of existing forests on 92 state forest farms in Guangdong, Heilongjiang and Sichuan Provinces.

"China expects a record number of baby giant pandas to be born this year, " Xinhua news agency said of two breeding and research centres in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

Tea houses to Sichuan people are not only about consumption but also a lifestyle.