Gu's tree-planting push in Dongshan

Although Dongshan is now famous for its leafy environment, back in the 1950s, most of the island was covered by desert.

According to the county's historical data, during one year in the '50s, the desert swallowed 11 villages. In a village called Shankou, some 900 villagers had to beg for food as their homes were destroyed by sand dunes.

Gu Wenchang, who became Dongshan's Party chief in 1950, was the first official who advocated the fight against the desert by planting trees.