Classes remain suspended at many schools in Sendai, one of the areas worst hit by the earthquake in Japan. But instead of studying in shelters, some students have made their way to Shanxi Province in north China, to take their place alongside some temporary classmates.

This is Li Yinhua from Sendai, Japan. Although he's been in this class for only a week, he's quickly made friends. You can always spot him taking part in extra curricular activities.

Li was brought back by his Chinese parents on a temporary stay, after the devastating earthquake hit Japan.

The family have experienced several tremors over the past few years - but none as terrifying as the most recent one.

"All the books fell on the floor and the house was a total mess," said Fu Xiaojing, Li Yinhua's mother. "It was cold that night and we all slept in the car. We went to the shelter the next day."

After several days in the shelter, and with the help of the Chinese Embassy, the family returned to Jinzhong City in Shanxi Province, Li Yinhua's father's birthplace. And they brought three other children along with them.

"After we arrived in Jinzhong, I was thinking why not sent them to local school, so they can be exposed to more Chinese traditional culture?" Fu Xiaojing said.

The local education bureau soon approved their application for temporary study in a local primary school. And on March 23, the four children began their studies in class three, grade four.

Although their parents are Chinese, they still have difficulty following the class. So the teacher has made some special arrangements.

"For example, I'll set simple questions for them. And when they get the right answer, the class applauds as encouragement," said Han Gaixian, Chinese teacher.

As the four boys adapted to the Chinese course, they began to teach their friends Japanese.

School classes in Sendai should resume in April. Knowing their Japanese friends are only with them for a limited time, the students exchange souvenirs, hoping to carry with them many long lasting and happy memories.

(CNTV.cn April 1, 2011)