Most primary and middle schools in China welcome their new and returning students on Sept 1. One such schools is Louzishui primary school, located on the Beijing outskirts of Fangshan district, which was badly affected by the heaviest rain in six decades, on July 21. After the rainwater receded, the school's gates and walls collapsed, and a heavy layer of sludge was left on the ground floor. Computers, tables and exercise facilities were among the items destroyed. But everything looks normal on the first day of school, thanks to school authorities who have ensured the students are off to a good start in the new academic year. Zhu Xingxin captures some of the happy faces.

Raising the national flag and singing the anthem is the most solemn moment on the first day of school. The ceremony is held on the newly renovated playground in the Louzishui primary school. Photos by Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

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