Along the street where 230 root carving shops congregate, only a few shops have opened for business, even though they are still pretty much in shambles.

"We may have to wait for at least half a year or even one year for full recovery, but we must face disaster with confidence," says Liu Yiheng, the owner of Daziran. Both of his two factories were significantly damaged, but he decided to stay open for business.

"Opening my shop is to send out a message of confidence to others," says Liu.

Contact the writer at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn.