In pictures: China's ruined valley

Before the earthquake struck the south-western Chinese province of Sichuan, this valley area near Yinchangguo was part of the tourist trail.

Now the area is almost deserted, and many homes have been reduced to rubble.

Thousands of residents have either died or fled the aftershocks. More than a week after the quake, people are still leaving.

But the roads out of the valley are impassable in places....

...and falling trees present a serious hazard.

Those who remain try to make the best of it - here in the town of Xinxing salvaged clothes dry outside a battered home.

Much of the local industry, like this cement factory, has also been destroyed.

Convoys of military vehicles bring food and water to the survivors.

Disinfecting makeshift homes to ward off disease is also a priority.