Hope begins afresh for May 12 quake survivors

"There are not many left in the city who can afford a taxi ride these days," lamented Yuan, who worked as volunteer last May and June. "So we often rely on long-haul trips."

Residents in Dujiangyan planting trees around their  dwellings as part of the rebuilding efforts. [Agencies]

Before the quake, Yuan used to drive along the 1,000-km semi-circular scenic route from the northeast and northwest paths leading to the Jiuzhaigou World Heritage site in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. It is a region dotted with varied holiday destinations rich in indigenous culture and local crop specialties as well as idyllic resorts.