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More than 600 workers have contributed to the creation of a 3.050 km green belt that now protects railways, highways and generates clean energy in the Taklamakan Desert
A desert that was once a symbol of environmental devastation is now at the center of a gigantic project to ecological restoration. The Taklamakan Desert, known for its extreme climate and for its impact on agriculture and human health, is being transformed with the creation of a green belt. The initiative, developed over 40 years, is one of the largest in the world in arid areas.
40 years of work and 600 thousand workers
The Taklamakan Desert Greenbelt is the result of four decades of continuous work. Since the project began, more than 600 workers have been involved in creating a vegetation barrier to stabilize the shifting dunes and contain the desert’s expansion.
The final section of the belt was completed in November 2022, marking the end of the planting phase.
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Stretching over 3.050 kilometers, the belt protects essential infrastructure such as railways and highways. The species chosen for reforestation — such as desert cottonwood, red willow and saxaul — were selected for their drought resistance.
They can survive in a harsh environment and also help to fix the soil, preventing the advance of sand.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project was the use of solar-powered sand control technology. This approach allows plants to receive continuous support even in regions that are difficult to access and have limited resources.
The use of renewable energy in such a remote area demonstrates a practical application of sustainability on a large scale.
By combining reforestation and clean energy, the project represents a pioneering model for sustainable desert management. The Taklamakan Greenbelt has not only helped to curb desertification, but has also transformed the desert into a testing ground for new environmental solutions.
Local economic impact
Despite its environmental focus, the project has also brought economic benefits. Some of the plants grown, such as desert hyacinth, have medicinal value and could pave the way for the development of herbal medicine markets. This represents a new income opportunity for local communities.
Reforestation has also helped to strengthen the economy by protecting transportation infrastructure and creating jobs during the decades of project implementation. With the soil stabilized, there is greater security for the development of other initiatives in the region.
A railroad in the middle of the desert
Another important landmark is the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway, which runs through the Taklamakan Desert. This 2.712-kilometer-long railway is the first in the world to be completely surrounded by desert.
It connects several cities in the region, facilitating the flow of local products such as nuts and red dates.
The railway is a clear example of how infrastructure and the environment can work together. With the containment of the dunes, the safety of rail transport has increased, allowing regional trade to develop in areas previously considered inhospitable.
Expanding renewable energy hub
China is not stopping at reforestation. The Taklamakan region is being prepared to become a renewable energy hub. China Three Gorges Corporation is leading the construction of a hybrid solar and wind power plant with the capacity to generate up to 12,5 gigawatts. The project includes 8,5 gigawatts of solar power and 4 gigawatts of wind power.
The proposal is to integrate clean energy production with environmental restoration, demonstrating that desert areas can be valuable sources of sustainable electricity. When completed, the complex will contribute to China's energy matrix and could serve as a model for other regions with similar conditions.
Green Belt: A Model for the World
The success of the Taklamakan Greenbelt is often compared to other global initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall of Africa, which seeks to contain the advance of the Sahara Desert.
The Chinese experience shows that reforestation, renewable energy and economic incentives can be combined effectively.
Now that the planting phase has been completed, attention is turning to maintaining the system. The goal is to ensure that the green belt operates in a self-sustainable manner. Research and new investments will be essential to this.
With the green belt completed, the Taklamakan Desert is no longer just a natural barrier. It now represents a showcase of environmental and energy innovation.
The transformation of the landscape shows that, with effort and technology, even the most hostile environments can give rise to sustainable solutions for the future.
With information from Jason Deegan.
