Stories between Xi and people with disabilities

Paralyzed couple conquer earthquake trauma

Yang Yufang and Gao Zhihong, a couple from North China's Tangshan, were both paralyzed in a devastating earthquake that hit the city in 1976. They later underwent treatment at a rehabilitation center for amputees where they met each other and fell in love. 

In July 2016, the couple met with President Xi when he visited the city. They gifted Xi with two books in which they shared experience of surviving the quake.

Xi told the couple: "I see the tenacity and vigor of life from your experience. You have shown that people with physical disabilities can also live a wonderful life."

Gao, the wife, said: "I was excited to meet General Secretary Xi, but strangely I was not nervous. It was like seeing a family friend - he is such a kind and gentle man."