Yao Baoqian

[1] During the Cultural Revolution, he served as director of the Revolutionary Committee of the city of Qinhuangdao.

[2] In 1976, Yao was promoted to Chief of Staff of the 66th Army and stationed in nearby Tianjin.

[1] When the Great Tangshan earthquake occurred at 3 am, 28 July 1976, Yao was woken from sleep by violent shaking of the ground.

Because a major bridge was destroyed in the quake, they had to abandon the car and cross by boat, and did not reach Tangshan until 11 am.

[1] Although Yao had fought in numerous battles in three wars, he described the Tangshan earthquake the most tragic experience in his life.