Tucked away in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tarim River, China’s longest inland river, is seen here at the outset of autumn. /Photo from ts.cn

The region's unique concoction of plants, water and desert are a sight during this time of year. /Photo from ts.cn

To reduce the soil salinity and minimize the sandy area, China has invested more than 10 billion yuan (over 1.5 billion US dollars) in improving the ecological environment of the river, including ecological water conveyance. /Photo from ts.cn

The improvements on the river has helped avoid the merger between Taklimakan Desert and Kuruktag Desert, both of which are located in Tarim Basin in Xinjiang. /Photo from ts.cn

Plants along the river in full bloom. /Photo from ts.cn