Chinese President Hu Jintao has promised new schools and homes as he met survivors of the earthquake in the country's northwest.
The latest figures put the death toll from Wednesday's quake at 1,706. Most were killed when the buildings they were in collapsed on them.
At least 100 students and 12 teachers died as schools and dormitories crumbled when the 6.9-magnitude quake hit Yushu county in Qinghai province.
'There will be new schools! There will be new homes!' Mr Hu wrote in chalk on a blackboard while visiting orphans in a tent-turned-makeshift classroom in Yushu.
Speaking to reporters he said: 'Saving life remains the first priority. We treasure every life and at the same time we should ensure victims regain a normal life.'
'Concerning our children, we must create conditions as soon as possible so that they can return to temporary school buildings and go back to school. There is a lot of work to be done. We will try our best,' Mr Hu added.
Mr Hu cut short a South American trip to fly to the region to assess the damage for himself.
The rescue operation is ongoing as dozens of people are reported missing, while aid convoys are arriving every day to help the survivors.
