Three generations of efforts turned desert to green land

It took three generations – about 70 years – to transform Baijitan in Ningxia, west China, from shifting sand dunes into thriving greenery. 

"I can say we have accomplished the task of combating desertification," said Wang Xiaolin, director of Baijitan Management Station at the Ningxia Lingwu Baijitan National Nature Reserve, during a visit by journalists. "We only keep a small section of desert here for comparison and research purposes."

Today, more than 45,000 hectares of land are covered with vegetation, and even leopard cats have been spotted – evidence of a restored and intact ecosystem. The achievement demonstrates China’s commitment to sustainable development and left visitors deeply impressed.