Search Five years after disaster: Reimagining Christchurch By Ben Adkison, for CNN

 

(CNN)On February 22, 2011, the city of Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, experienced an earthquake that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.

This was the most destructive in a series of earthquakes that began on September 4, 2010.

The shallow depth of the earthquake caused tremendous damage to downtown Christchurch and the surrounding area.

Since the earthquake, Christchurch (population 436,056), the largest city in the Canterbury region, has sprung back to life as a travel destination.

The city's rebirth has been fueled by the US$26.5 billion Christchurch Rebuild movement, which the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority calls the largest economic undertaking in New Zealand's history.

From a horrific event, an incredible movement of another kind emerged.

Even before the rubble was cleaned and new buildings built, public art and other displays began springing up everywhere.

From sculptures and murals to gardens and giant games, the central city is more beautiful than ever.

According to the Christchurch and Canterbury government, the region's economy has grown 31% in the past 5 years.