When Sichuan smiles, hearts melt

And yesterday, the 12-year-old found a reason to smile. Saudi Ambassador to China Yahya A.S.Alzaid, who was visiting her hometown, along with 30 members of an international delegation, on the first anniversary of the quake, recognized Liang at once.

She broke into a smile, which stretched from ear-to-ear, and seemed to last forever.

"Liang is just like every other kid I met today. They all have very beautiful smiles, the hope for the future," the Saudi ambassador said. "We will keep inviting children from Sichuan to visit our country, as it is not only a program for psychological treatment, but also for strengthening friendship between the two sides," he said.

Alzaid said there was a remarkable difference in Dujiangyan with what he saw on the TV. "I am confident that the reconstruction program will finish on time."

The ambassador said he was particularly impressed with the attitude of the people of Sichuan.

"From children to adults I felt they really appreciate the help that has poured in."

German Ambassador Michael Schaefer, who was part of the visiting delegation, said he was impressed with the "Chinese government's transparency about the disaster relief work".