Zhang Xiwang talks about his tree planting experience in a village of Ordos city in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 20, 2017. [Photo by Sun Wanming/chinadaily.com.cn]

Individual and team efforts in re-forestation

Forty-five-year-old Zhang Xiwang has been planting drought-resistant willow trees in the Kubuqi desert for more than 10 years. 

Talking about his experience in planting trees, Zhang said he has even discovered a skill to improve their survival rate - by planting them near hidden sources of underground water.

There are more than 400 teams like Zhang Xiwang's that go around planting trees, with more than 10,000 people being involved.

Re-forestation efforts in the Kubuqi desert have transformed the livelihoods of more than 100,000 farmers and herdsmen.

Statistics from the local government show that the per capita net income of the 100,000 farmers and herdsmen living in the Kubuqi desert and its surrounding areas has reached 14,000 yuan last year.