There was a time when the barren land surrounding Haoyuan Village in the Gobi Desert was only good for sandstone mining. In 2008, as part of an environmental improvement campaign, it was decided that, with its long hours of sunshine, large temperature difference between day and night, and loose soil, the area was ideal for growing wine grapes. Today, 230 square kilometers of desert have been transformed into an oasis and 70 percent of Haoyuan's residents have found employment in the wine industry.