On November 28, 2024, poplar, tamarisk, and red willow saplings were planted in the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in Hetian County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, connecting vast stretches of greenery. The Taklamakan Green Sand Protection Belt Project has now achieved full coverage, forming a “green scarf” spanning 3,046 kilometers. In recent years, Hetian County has not only combated desertification but also developed new industrial chains.
When asked about the most significant change in recent years, many local residents point to the desert turning green. According to the Sixth National Desertification and Sandification Survey, Hetian County has made notable progress in controlling desertification, reducing the total area affected by more than 40,000 hectares. This success was achieved through the collective efforts and continuous innovation of the county’s residents.
Hetian County, located at the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, has long faced threats of land desertification and sandification, with fragile environmental conditions. In recent years, the county has strengthened measures to combat desertification through grassland restoration, afforestation, and other initiatives, effectively preventing the expansion of deserts and sand.
Kuo Tan Tan, Deputy Director of the Hetian County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, explained, “We have planted wind-resistant trees, including tamarisk, saxaul, and maritime buckthorn, to block sand and preserve greenery. Vegetation has been increased along the Yulong Kashgar and Karakashi Rivers. Agricultural shelter networks have been strengthened, preventing wind and sand intrusion into farmland and rivers, creating a robust green ecological barrier while enhancing land use and ecosystem stability.”
Beyond traditional approaches, Hetian County has also explored innovative measures. In recent years, Shandong Province’s Chongji New Energy Development Company established a 500,000-kilowatt centralized photovoltaic sand-control project in Langru Township, integrating sand control with solar power generation, which not only brings economic benefits but also improves environmental conditions.
In Tagherik Village, Awati Township, the once yellow and fragile desert landscape has now turned green. With reduced wind and sand, previously barren land is now productive. Locals have enhanced the natural environment and boosted income by cultivating high-value crops like Sistanche deserticola.
Hetian County’s development strategy in recent years emphasizes “increasing desert greening, boosting farmers’ incomes, and enhancing industrial efficiency.” Drought- and salt-tolerant plants such as red willow and Haloxylon ammodendron are planted to prevent and control sand, while high-value crops like Sistanche deserticola support the forest economy. This integrated approach creates a green development model that combines sand control with local prosperity.
Source: Chai-Hashim-Wang Haiman, China Media Group.