China's efforts to combat desertification continue to attract young researchers. In northern China's Kubuqi Desert, many fresh graduates have chosen to work for a company that's been greening the desert for decades. Our reporter Hu Chao takes a look at how this company created a miracle in the desert, one kept alive by the youth of the nation.  

A technology center in the Kubuqi Desert of northern China. It's where many young graduates have spent the last several years working. 25-year-old Yang Yang analyzes soil components in the lab.

YANG YANG RESEARCHER, ELION KUBUQI DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE "I've learned a lot here. I want to put my professional knowledge into practice here."

And she believes other young researchers like her can bring even more potential.

YANG YANG RESEARCHER, ELION KUBUQI DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE "Veteran experts here have a lot of practical experience while we have modern theoretical knowledge. It's great when we learn from each other and combine our skills."

Elion is a privately-owned resource group established in 1988 in the Kubuqi Desert. In 30 years, its efforts have proven successful in combating desertification.

Today, 40% of its employees are below the age of 28. Many of them say they were lured here by the company's remarkable achievements over the past three decades. And 26-year-old Wu Yichang, who works on soil improvement is one young employee singing Elion's praises.

WU YICHANG RESEARCHER, ELION KUBUQI DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE "From satellite pictures, I saw a third of the desert was turned green by our company. I feel proud that I work here and contributed in desert control."

So what exactly did Elion do that appeals to these young talents? 30 years ago the Kubuqi Desert was literally a dead sea of sand without any plants nor roads. Local residents could hardly make a living. But later, with government support, Elion transformed the desert into an oasis.

HU CHAO HANGJIN COUNTY, INNER MONGOLIA AUTONOMOUS REGION "Dry, desolate, life-threatening, words synonymous with desert. Standing here in the desert, you can feel overwhelmed by such a sea of sand. So it's even more surprising that the locals have not only managed to control the desert, but also made really good money from it."

At first, Elion planted lots of trees using advanced technology. Then they started developing various ecological industries in the desert, including fruit and vegetable planting, poultry and livestock breeding, even solar power station installation.

Elion's efforts have formed a sustainable business model that has completely revitalized the Kubuqi, bringing locals work and a new life. And their research continues to offer help for many other desert areas both at home and abroad. Last year, its founder Wang Wenbiao was awarded the Lifetime Achievement honor in green industries by the United Nations. And this desert oasis has become a place for many young people to fulfill their dreams.

YANG YANG RESEARCHER, ELION KUBUQI DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE "I want to find out whether I can make a change here."

WU YICHANG RESEARCHER, ELION KUBUQI DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE "I hope to create more green land for future generations."

Hu Chao, CGTN, Erdos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.