Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, one of China's major livestock production bases, has entered its annual hay-making season as farmers and herders prepare winter food for livestock. Across the Tianshan Mountains, grass is being cut and stored in areas including the Nalati grassland in the Ili River Valley and alfalfa fields on the Pamir Plateau. In Altay City, water-saving sprinkler irrigation has helped create large-scale planting bases in sandy areas, forming green "circles" across the desert. 

The approach not only supports the livestock industry, but also helps prevent wind erosion, stabilize sand dunes and improve the local ecosystem. Hay harvesting in most parts of Xinjiang is expected to be largely completed by the end of August, while work in high-altitude mountain pastures will continue into early September.