Source: CCTV.com

02-09-2008 16:14

Written by Zhu Hai
Music by Guo Dingli
Choreography by Xing Shimiao

The snow has kept falling… from the middle of winter to the end of the last lunar month. From north to south, snow and ice cover the Yellow River, rain and snow lash the Yangtze River, Hunan Province shivers in a harsh wind, cold invades the Pearl River Delta. The blooming spring flowers in Guangzhou, the city of flowers, are gone. Low temperature, freezing cold, ice rain, silver thaws……all come suddenly, looming by the end of the year. Our southern homeland that used to be luxuriantly green has entered 2008 devastated by ice and snow. Everywhere is white; highways have been closed, travellers have been stranded at railway stations, flights have been cancelled. The electric railway linking north and south has been paralyzed by a lack of power. East China, Central China, South China, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan,… Electricity and coal supplies are in crisis, food is in great need. Life of the people at the disaster areas has been taking unprecedented challenges……Many tens of thousands of sisters and brothers have been caught up in this sudden natural disaster. They are delayed on their way home. In the cold winter, their smiling faces are frozen. The rain and snow dampen the joy of reunion…The whole nation is rallying round to help. From Party and government leaders to ordinary people, all are worried about those who are left stranded by the snowstorm. When trouble occurs in one place, help comes from elsewhere. Based on the government’s detailed plan, the greatest-ever fight against a natural disaster is under way. The Beijing to Guangzhou Railway, blocked by ice, is a focus of concern. People in the disaster areas are united under their leaders. Party and government leaders were first to the front. They lead, and the difficulties are overcome together. In field tents in the disaster areas soldiers bring hot noodles and tea to people. In the dark city streets where there is no electricity, the policemen light up the scene with their headlamps. Many volunteers light candles for the old people living on their own. They form a great alliance of love. One city after another opens its arms to the stranded passengers and tells them: ”Stay with us; this is your home.” Let’s celebrate Spring Festival together. Let’s warm each other amid the snow. The difficulties will pass. Chinese people are strong in the face of disaster. The ice may freeze sky and earth, but not our love or the coming of spring. Tonight is New Year’s eve. Spring Festival has finally arrived. At this moment, you may be at home. If you are on your way, don’t worry. For the snow is being melted by warm wishes. We believe that the fight against the blizzards will become a never-to-be-forgotten memory. There are so many people to whom we should express our gratitude. You may be one of them. Harmonious China has brought people together to face this crisis shoulder-to-shoulder. United, the nation will win the battle and welcome the coming of spring.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan