Xingtai is the oldest city in Hebei Province in northern China.

On March 8, 1966, Xingtai was hit by the first of a series of powerful earthquakes. Subsequent quakes occured over the following two weeks. All reportedly measured above a magnitude of six.

More than eight-thousand people died and thousands were injured. Many lost their homes.

Premier Zhou Enlai instructed authorities to carry out an emergency rescue plan.

He directed the State Construction Commission and 500 architects to help rebuild the region with earthquake-resistant houses.

Premier Zhou rushed to Xingtai to learn more about the disaster and console the families.

More than 65-thousand people participated in the earthquake relief operation.

The rescue team efforts inspired confidence in the country's ability to overcome natural disasters.

In 1979, painter Zhou Sicong created "The People and The Premier" based on the historical event.

It was one of several creative works conceived to commemorate the Xingtai earthquakes.

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