Chinese President Hu Jintao wished quake-affected kids happy children's day during a visit to northwestern Shaanxi Province, which was heavily damaged during the May 12 earthquake.

Meanwhile, children in the quake-hit areas have received plenty of special gifts from the government. CRI's Wei Tong has the details.

Reporter: Hu Jintao visited children studying in makeshift shelters in Ningqiang County, which was badly hit during the recent earthquake. He asked them to hold on and stay strong.

"You must have faith in the Chinese Communist Party and the government will definitely build new schools for all of you. Today you have to study in the tent. But I promise to help you build a better classroom soon."

Hu Jintao then picked up a chalk, wrote a famous 16 Chinese character saying on the chalkboard and read it aloud with the kids, "When one person is in trouble, everyone will step up to help him; rely on yourself and work hard."

Meanwhile, in the neighboring Pingwu County, another badly-hit area, kids received special gifts from the government to celebrate International Children's day. Here are some local pupils.

"I got many gifts like shoes, stationery, schoolbags as well as some fancy clothes. I am really happy. I'm sure I will study hard and make good the kind-hearted uncles and aunts' hopes for me."

"I received many delicious chocolates. It's a fantastic feeling!"

The holiday gifts couldn't have come at a better time for children in the quake-hit areas, who have been facing a shortage of stationery. In one gift, a student found a letter written by children from Jilin province. It read: "Dear children, the people of Jilin are missing you."

This deeply moved the girl who received the gift.

"I'm very excited to receive the letter. It is so touching. I feel like the gift was sent to me by a family member."

Apart from stationery, 22 domestic book publishers have donated more than 1.8 million US dollars worth of children's books to kids in the quake-hit regions to mark the Children's Day.

Wei Tong, CRI News.