In 2008, the State Council approved plans for Ningxia to build a demonstration zone to share its expertise in sand control with other areas that also suffer from desertification, and has urged the region to continue its successful work.

In 2001, the country formulated a law to prevent and control desertification, the first of its kind in the world.

Ningxia has imported technology and resources from Germany and Arab nations since 1996.

A green belt was established along the foothills of the Helan Mountains range in 2002 to block the flow of sand from the north.

Zhao Jiwen, deputy director of housing and urban and rural development in Zhongwei, a city on the edge of the Tengger Desert, said a Sino-German project has restored 640 square kilometers of eroded land.

Some Ningxia residents have emerged as heroes in the fight against desertification. For example, Wang Youde, 60, was received by former premier Wen Jiabao in recognition of his efforts.

Wang Huazhong contributed to this story.