Residents of Jidui village in Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, welcomed their lunar new year on January 19 with an emotional milestone: their first family portraits taken in homes rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. The community gathered for group photos and individual snapshots, capturing joyful reunions in residences completed just three months prior in November 2025.
The celebrations mark a symbolic fresh start for 33 families who lost homes in the 6.8-magnitude quake that struck the region in early 2025. Through government-supported reconstruction efforts, the village now features earthquake-resistant structures blending modern safety standards with traditional Tibetan architectural elements.
"These photos document not just our families, but our collective resilience," said one villager while arranging ceremonial khata scarves for a multigenerational portrait. The images reveal vibrant interiors adorned with Buddhist thangka paintings and new furniture, contrasting with snow-capped Himalayan peaks visible through windows.
Local officials note the reconstruction program has prioritized preserving cultural heritage while improving living standards. As firework displays lit the night sky, the photographic sessions served dual purposes: honoring seasonal traditions and showcasing successful disaster recovery ahead of the spring planting season.
