The Chinese government has paused its Taklamakan Desert greenbelt campaign, which spans an area comparable to the size of Germany. This massive initiative aimed to combat desertification by mobilizing over 600,000 workers to plant saxaul and desert poplar trees across 3,000 kilometers of one of the harshest desert regions on Earth.
Known as the “Sea of Death,” the Taklamakan Desert earned its name by swallowing cities and infrastructure through relentless sandstorms and shifting dunes. However, after 40 years of consistent planting, the landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Forest belts now anchor the soil, protect transportation routes, and contribute to local climate cooling. These efforts have also created new economic opportunities for local communities, including jobs in tree maintenance, herbal medicine trade, and sustainable agriculture.
The greenbelt initiative also led to two major infrastructure achievements: the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway — the first railway to encircle a desert — and the deployment of solar-powered sand control systems that integrate ecological restoration with renewable energy technologies.
With the initial phase of afforestation complete, China is now shifting focus. This pause marks a transition from expansion to maintenance. Scientists and engineers will monitor ecosystem stability, improve irrigation efficiency, and reinforce the project’s gains.
At the same time, the region is evolving into a renewable energy hub. With plans to install 12 gigawatts of solar and wind energy, the desert will soon generate electricity for millions of households. This fusion of ecological recovery and green energy development sets a precedent for arid regions in Africa and the Middle East.
The Taklamakan project stands as a testament to how desertification can be reversed through science, strategy, and human effort. While the desert is not yet conquered, its advance has slowed — and may one day be fully reversed.
