The Tangshan Earthquake also known as the Great Tangshan Earthquake,was a natural disaster that occurred on July 28,1976.It is believed to be the largest earthquake of the 20th century by death toll.The earthquake hit in the early morning,at 03:42 local time ,lasted 23 seconds and killed 242796 people.Rebuilding infrastructure started immediately in Tangshan,and the city was completely rebuilt.Today Tangshan city is home to nearly three million people and is known as "Brave City of China."