In contrast, exports this May rose 9.3% compared to May 2008.

FORBES: What China's Export Surge Really Means

It does show that it is still about 360 points below the May 2008 high of 9, 724.

FORBES: The Week Ahead: Can Diversification Ruin Your Return?

It was along the same fault line that a devastating magnitude-7.9 quake struck on May 12, 2008, leaving more than 90, 000 people dead or missing and presumed dead in one of the worst natural disasters to strike China in recent decades.

NPR: China Rushes Relief After Sichuan Quake Kills 180

The area lies near the same Longmenshan fault where the devastating 7.9-magnitude quake struck in May 2008, leaving more than 90, 000 people dead or missing and presumed dead.

WSJ: China's Sichuan Province Hit by Strong Earthquake

When the 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit southwest China on May 12, 2008, Beichuan county was among the hardest hit.

NPR: Ruined Beichuan Starts Anew