Eco China: Ningxia, first in China to make headway in reversing desertification

Pochards fly above reed marshes at Shahu scenic spot in Pingluo County, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 6, 2019. Located in the northwestern China, Ningxia is rich in natural beauties ranging from waterside landscape to scenery in cold regions. As an important protection barrier of ecological system in northwestern China, Ningxia plays a significant role in safeguarding the whole country's ecological environment. Surrounded by deserts on three sides, Ningxia is faced with arduous tasks on desertification control. With 70 years of efforts on intensive afforestation and comprehensive management since 1949, Ningxia became the first in China to make headway in reversing desertification. The development of Ningxia is closely related to water resources from the Yellow River, the lifeline of many thriving areas. Local people who once lived in uninhabitable, mountainous regions have migrated to better-off places and shake off poverty. From Sept. 10 to 12, the "Ningxia Day" event is held at the ongoing Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition to welcome visitors from all over the world. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)