BEIJING , China ( CNN ) -- One of the most destructive moments in Chinese history is bringing together -- at least temporarily -- this vast nation of more than a billion people , made up of disparate ethnic groups stretching across five time zones . Thousands chant `` China , keep moving '' during a rally in Chengdu 's Tianfu Square . When millions of Chinese paused for three minutes of silence Monday , they personified the surge in patriotism and charity that has swept this country since a massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake leveled large sections of Sichuan province in southwestern China . Moments after the observance ended , chants of `` Go , China , Go ! '' broke out in Tiananmen Square , where a Chinese military crackdown in 1989 left hundreds dead . Sentiments have changed since the days of the anti-government protests . `` As Chinese we must be united , '' said a student . `` We Chinese can do it ! '' Some of Monday 's demonstrators waved Chinese flags while others hoisted banners with slogans like `` Rebuild Sichuan ! '' iReport.com : Thousands rally in Chengdu . Horrific scenes of death and devastation -- covered heavily by the local media -- have triggered a surge of patriotism and charity . `` When one is in trouble , '' the Chinese say , `` help comes from all directions . '' In Beijing , Chinese officials , entertainers , athletes and artists attended a marathon concert , giving donations and calling on the public to give more . The benefit concert raised more than 1.51 billion yuan , or $ 216 million . More donations are pouring in through other channels . Watch report on how quake has united Chinese » . As of Sunday , Chinese nationals had donated more than 4.9 billion yuan ( $ 700 million ) in cash and goods for earthquake relief , according to China 's Ministry of Civil Affairs . Live on Chinese TV , local businesses pledged to give money and build free housing for victims -- an unusual display of civic charity . As of last Saturday , Chinese enterprises had donated more than 3.5 billion yuan ( $ 501 million ) in cash and relief goods . `` Traditionally the Chinese people do n't share as much with strangers . They share a great deal among friends and family , but not with strangers , '' according to China analyst Zhang Daxing . At The Bookworm , a Beijing bookstore , residents drop off relief goods that are promptly shipped to disaster areas . `` My guess would be about 350 boxes , which include kid 's clothes , adult clothes , a lot of sleeping bags , tents , dried food , shoes , that type of stuff , '' said store owner Alex Pearson . Students in the Chinese capital have even taken to the street to collect donations . `` Although we can not go to Sichuan to save them , we can still help them with donated money , '' one student said . Analysts say this unprecedented display of charity is partly in response to the quick action already taken by Chinese officials to the emergency . The Chinese media have repeatedly shown Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao comforting survivors . Many believe this has inspired Chinese residents to do what they can to help . Meantime , a new image of China is emerging around the world . `` The earthquake changed China 's international image from an oppressor or an authoritarian government to a victim of natural disaster and human tragedy , '' said Wenfang Tang , professor of political science at the University of Pittsburgh . The Chinese , at least for now , are more united as a people and more charitable , as citizens pull together in the wake of a massive earthquake . CNN 's Sherisse Pham contributed to this report .
Destructive moment in Chinese history has helped bring people together . Comment: broke out after silence tribute to dead on Monday Sentiments have changed since the days of the anti-government protests .