On January 7, 2026, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated newly rebuilt villages in Dingri County, Xigaze City, Xizang—areas devastated by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake—one year had elapsed since the disaster. On land once ravaged by seismic destruction, new life is quietly beginning to take root.

In Za Village, Chamco Township, Dingri County, nearly one-year-old Tsering Lhapa is learning to walk with toddles. His name carries profound meanings — “Tsering” signifies longevity, while “Lhapa” denotes that he was born on a Wednesday. His birth bears special significance.

At 7:40 a.m. on January 8, 2025, a clear cry echoed through the delivery room of Xigaze People’s Hospital. Peng Qiong, a woman from Za Village at the epicenter of the earthquake in Chamco Township, successfully delivered the first baby born after the Dingri earthquake, following her resilience through the seismic event and an overnight transfer to safety.

“I was extremely frightened at that time,” Peng Qiong recalled. “From the county hospital to the city hospital, the medical staff provided me with tremendous comfort and support.” On January 5, reporters visited Tsering Lhapa’s home not only to conduct an interview but also to present a beautifully decorated birthday cake, celebrating in advance the first birthday of this “earthquake baby.” Now, holding her healthy and vibrant child in her arms, Peng Qiong’s eyes are filled with gratitude. “I hope he grows up healthy and can one day give back to society,” she said.

“Earthquake baby” Tsering Lhapa is celebrating his first birthday in advance.