Soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) construct bridges on the Jiyun River to help ease traffic flow on August 3, 1976, allowing relief workers better access to the quake zone. The Ninghe Bridge on the river was destroyed in the earthquake that hit Tangshan, Hebei Province on July 28, 1976. Photo: Xinhua

Workers at the First Food Factory of Beijing wave goodbye to trucks carrying food to the quake zone on August 1, 1976. Workers helped provide a critical supply of bread and cookies to those trapped in disaster areas after the earthquake. Photo: Xinhua

Members of Qiaodong brigade, Daodi commune in Fengnan county dine together in a collective canteen on August 2, 1976. All branches of the Communist Party of China (CPC) strived to provide for the quake-afflicted masses and overcome the natural disaster through collective efforts. Photo: Xinhua

Five miners receive medical treatment at a hospital after being rescued from a collapsed mineshaft. When the severe earthquake hit Tangshan and Fengnan, they became trapped underground in the Kailuan coal mine. After a 14-day ordeal, they were able to once again see the light of day on August 11, 1976, thanks to the tireless efforts of soldiers and local villagers. Photo: Xinhua

On August 31, 1976, children in Tangshan provide water to the PLA soldiers working to relief the city in the aftermath of the quake. Touching scenes like this were a common sight in Tangshan at the time. Photo: Xinhua

Soldiers deliver rice, flour and eggs to the family of miner Yu Zhanshui, whose wife had just given birth. On the rainy night of August 31, 1976, when the PLA officer of a model company in earthquake relief work heard the story of Yu, he ordered his soldiers to immediately bring linoleum and reed mats to Yu’s shack to help keep it warm. Photo: Xinhua

Steel workers make their first batch of steel after the quake. On August 31, 1976, Tangshan Iron and Steel Company had already partially resumed production through the spirit of self-reliance and perseverance. Photo: Xinhua

This photo was taken in 1977, one year after the quake. Though Tangshan was severely damaged by the disaster on July 28, 1976, its industrial manufacturing soon recovered, and its people rebuilt their homes after a year of reconstruction work. Photo: Xinhua