Over the past decade, China has worked to deepen all-round reform, with great emphasis on ecological protection. One good example are efforts in the southwestern province of Yunnan, where a once wasteland has been transformed into an ecotourism resort. Yang Jinghao has more.

This garden boasts over 20 varieties of cactus.

Located in Yunnan's Mile city, it's emerging as a popular spot for tourists.

"I brought my kids here after learning about this place from social media. The view is wonderful, and the air is nice."

"It's my first time here, and I find it a great place for taking pictures, as the scenery is unique."

YANG JINGHAO Mile City, Yunnan Province "This special cactus garden is part of the popular tourist resort called Taiping Lake Forest Town, which is known for its beautiful landscape. But several years ago, the area was still a stretch of barren land with barely any trees."

In a city featuring a vast karst landscape, this area once suffered from what's known as "rocky desertification," and local farmers could only try to grow some drought-resistant crops on the infertile land.

In 2016, a local company launched a restoration project with government support in response to the country's call for green development.

HOU ZHIPENG Deputy General Manager Taiping Lake Investment Development "First, we cleared away the rocks and stones, and then covered the area with soil measuring about one meter thick, which was transported from elsewhere. Above it was another layer of nutrient-rich soil. We then began to grow plants and flowers following the PH neutralization process of the soil."

With an investment of over 200 million dollars, the wasteland gradually turned into an oasis with diverse accommodations and entertainment facilities.

HOU ZHIPENG Deputy General Manager Taiping Lake Investment Development "We expected to receive about one million visitors this year, double or even triple the numbers of previous years, especially during the COVID-19 period, with a growing number coming from neighboring Vietnam."

Apart from the ecological benefits, the project has created numerous job opportunities, with hundreds of nearby villagers now working here.

The city is also gearing up for even more development.

YANG YUNJIANG Deputy Chief Forestry and Grassland Bureau in Mile "Next, while ensuring the protection of existing forest resources, we will continue to implement rocky desertification control projects. Our goal is to increase the city's forest coverage rate from current 48.3 percent to 50 percent by 2025."

Many people see Mile's success story as a small step, but nevertheless inspirational, especially as the country works towards the goal of building a "Beautiful China" by 2035. YJH, CGTN, Mile, Yunnan Province.