Hanggin Banner in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, once dominated by the unforgiving Kubuqi Desert, has undergone a remarkable ecological transformation over the past three decades.

Thirty years ago, the Kubuqi Desert stretched across 53 percent of Hanggin Banner's territory. Its barren heartlands, deemed untamable, desolate, and devoid of vegetation and life, earned it the grim nickname the "Sea of Death". The relentless winds and shifting sands posed severe environmental challenges, threatening the livelihoods of those who call this place home.

However, through generations of dedicated sand control workers' unwavering efforts, Hanggin Banner has witnessed an ecological revival.

Thanks to the pioneering "Kubuqi Desert Control Model", the once inhospitable desert has gradually given way to thriving green spaces. This model has showcased a stunning metamorphosis from desert to oasis and facilitated environmental restoration and economic development.

The region has now implemented a "four-wheel drive" model that combines government policy support, industrial investment, farmer and herder market participation, and continuous technological innovation.

Major ecological projects, such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program and the Beijing-Tianjin Sand Source Control Project, have gradually improved the local environment.

By 2023, Hanggin Banner had completed 13.86 million mu (924,000 hectares) of key ecological projects. The forest coverage rate soared from 7.23 percent in 2000 to 18.08 percent, while the vegetation coverage increased from 16.2 percent to 65 percent. These impressive figures reflect the region's resilience and journey towards ecological sustainability.

In November 2023, the Inner Mongolia Department of Ecology and Environment recognized Hanggin Banner in the first batch of autonomous region-level ecological civilization construction demonstration zones. This accolade underscores the significant strides made in ecological preservation and sustainable development in an area historically plagued by environmental fragility.