See China turn the desert dry into a carpet of over 7,000 hectares

Thanks to the continuous efforts of many generations during nearly 6 decades, China has turned an arid desert into a forest carpet larger than 7000ha.

This is Saihanba Desert located in Hebei Province, China, which is located about 400km north of Beijing. It used to be an ideal retreat for the royal family in the feudal period, but by the end of the Qing Dynasty, it had become a desert due to serious deforestation.

Picture 1 of See China turn the desert dry into a carpet of over 7,000 hectares
Forest coverage in this area is now up to 80%.

Picture 2 of See China turn the desert dry into a carpet of over 7,000 hectares
Green forest covers up to 7400 hectares across the desert.

The expansion of the Saihanba desert has led to many environmental problems, affecting neighboring cities, including the capital of Beijing.

In 1962, more than 300 forestry sector officials were sent to Saihanba. Here, they are tasked with planting trees right on the desert land. Officials have to set up tents right on dry land, grow their own food.

For nearly 6 decades, many generations of forestry officers have overcome difficulties and maintained their beliefs that can plant trees in the desert. And now, the result has come when the arid desert has become 7400 hectares of forest every day. Forest area covers this large area up to 80%.

The continuous efforts of the local government in Saihanba have been recorded. In 2017, they were honored to receive the Earth Award from the United Nations.