Chinese President Hu Jintao has paid a high tribute to domestic and foreign charitarians for their contributions to the development of charity in China.

About 340 individuals, enterprises and organizations received awards at the Second China Charity Conference in Beijing on Friday.

After the deadly May 12 earthquake in Sichuan, Chinese and foreign donors contributed more than 76 billion yuan, or 11 billion US dollars for relief and reconstruction in the region.
Hu Jintao said he appreciated these people for their generous donations.

"It's especially noteworthy that during the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, charity workers and groups played an important role in helping quake victims survive the disaster and rebuild their homes. They launched the largest-ever donation campaign in the country's history. The kindness of the Chinese people and overseas friends is moving and admirable."