A week has passed since the magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Yushu County, in northwest China's Qinghai Province. In the past week, people across China have been showing their support and sympathy for the victims of the disaster. On Wednesday, China will hold nationwide activities to mourn those who were killed in the strong earthquake.

 

Half past 5 Beijing time, Guards of honor marched to Beijing's Tian-anmen square.

The country's flag is flying at half mast, in memory of the thousands of people who perished in the deadly earthquake.

People arrived before dawn, gathering around the square to witness the moment of the flag-raising ceremony.

Residents of Qinghai province will stop what they are doing and observe 3 minutes of silence at 10 am local time.

Air raid sirens will be sounded, together with the horns of cars, trains and ships.

Two memorial services are also being held, in Qinghai's provincial capital Xi-ning, and at the epicenter of the disaster, the town of Gye-gu.

As a mark of respect, public entertainment is being suspended across China.

Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will show solidarity, by holding similar activities.

This is the second time China has held nationwide mourning activities following a major natural disaster. The previous time was for the Wenchuan earthquake two years ago.