Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang has achieved a historic transformation from desertification to ecological restoration, establishing a green barrier and sharing its "desert control wisdom" with other regions [1][2]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The area of desertification and sandy land in Xinjiang is the largest and most widespread in China, with significant efforts made to combat these issues since 2012, including the establishment of protective forests [1]. - In Makit County, over 1.17 million acres have been treated for desertification, and 122 kilometers of desert edges have been effectively secured [1]. - The ecological restoration has led to improved living conditions, with local residents benefiting from the cultivation of economic crops such as the Chinese jujube [1]. Group 2: Economic Development - The establishment of a green ecological barrier in Hotan Prefecture has resulted in the production of unique crops like meat and desert roses, which have improved ecological conditions and increased local income [2]. - As of now, the area of economic crops planted in sandy land around southern Xinjiang has reached 6.24 million acres, generating an annual output value exceeding 30 billion RMB [2]. - Over the past 30 years, Xinjiang has increased its oasis area by 56,000 square kilometers, while reducing desertified land by 1,955.7 square kilometers and sandy land by 242.8 square kilometers [2]. Group 3: International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing - The experience gained in desertification control in Xinjiang has been transformed into a replicable "Chinese solution," which is being shared with countries in Africa through projects like the "China-Africa Green Technology Park" [2][3]. - The project has successfully fixed 100 hectares of sandy land and trained 45 local technicians, creating 120 direct job opportunities in the community [3]. - Xinjiang's ecological initiatives extend beyond desert management, contributing to biodiversity protection with 178 species of nationally protected wildlife and approximately 4,000 species of wild higher plants [3].

Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang has transformed from a desert region to a significant grain-producing area, achieving a record grain yield of 524.8 kg per mu in 2024, surpassing the national average by 130 kg and ranking first in the country for the first time in history [1][2]. Group 1: Environmental Transformation - The successful creation of a 3046 km green barrier along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert has effectively curbed desert expansion, marking a significant achievement in global desertification control [6][9]. - The green barrier project has resulted in an increase of 56,000 square kilometers of oasis area and a reduction of 1955.7 square kilometers of desertified land over the past 30 years [9]. - The project has also led to the cultivation of 6.24 million mu of specialty economic crops, generating an annual output value exceeding 30 billion yuan [9]. Group 2: Technological and Economic Synergy - The success of the green barrier is attributed to continuous innovation and breakthroughs in desertification control technologies, including collaborative prevention and treatment, mechanical desertification control, and new models like "photovoltaic + desertification control" [8]. - The project has demonstrated that ecological protection and economic development can mutually reinforce each other, creating new economic growth points rather than being a financial burden [10]. - The initiative has garnered international recognition, receiving awards for outstanding contributions to desertification prevention from the United Nations [10]. Group 3: Global Impact and Knowledge Sharing - The Taklamakan Desert green barrier project serves as a model for global desertification prevention, sharing successful techniques and experiences with experts from 14 countries during training sessions [11]. - The shift from "desert encroachment" to "green recovery" signifies a new beginning in China's desertification control efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices [11].

Core Insights - Xinjiang is evolving beyond its traditional image, showcasing new industries and innovations that contribute to its economic development [1][26] Agriculture and Horticulture - In Hotan, the cultivation of desert roses has transformed the landscape, with over 81,000 acres now dedicated to rose farming, generating significant income for local farmers [9] - The income from rose cultivation can reach 10,000 yuan per acre, with the potential for further expansion into deep processing of rose products [9] Aquaculture - The introduction of seafood farming in saline-alkali ponds has turned a previously challenging environment into a productive aquaculture area, with significant yields from species like crabs and clams [10][13] - The first year of trial farming yielded over 10,000 yuan per acre, indicating a promising future for seafood production in the region [13] Technological Advancements - The development of an AI-powered "super brain" in Hami is enhancing operational efficiency in various sectors, including mining, with over 25% of mining trucks now operating autonomously [20] - The establishment of a high-performance computing network supports complex AI calculations, facilitating projects like the "Jiang-Suan-Ru-Yu" initiative, which connects data processing between Hami and Chongqing [24][22] Economic Transformation - Xinjiang is witnessing a shift from traditional industries like coal and agriculture to innovative sectors such as green energy and technology-driven agriculture, creating new growth opportunities [26] - The region's ability to adapt and innovate in harsh environments is leading to significant economic and social improvements, positioning Xinjiang as a key player in China's western development strategy [26]

Group 1 - Xinjiang has expanded the green protective belt around the Taklamakan Desert by 4.79 million acres this year, building on last year's achievements [1] - The width of the green protective belt has increased from 110 meters to 7,500 meters through scientific determination of suitable crops and utilization of groundwater resources [1] - The government has introduced the "Nine Sand Policies" to address challenges in the desertification control efforts, ensuring the availability of water, electricity, and land [1] Group 2 - The financial support for desertification control includes nearly 1.1 billion yuan allocated annually by the regional and corps finance for new sand control tasks [1] - The mechanism of benefit-sharing has significantly increased community participation, with local residents benefiting from the ecological restoration efforts [2] - The cultivation of specialty economic crops such as meat and desert roses on 6.24 million acres has generated over 30 billion yuan in output value, creating stable employment for over 300,000 people [2]

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of roses in the Taklamakan Desert symbolizes resilience and the ongoing efforts of local people in combating desertification, showcasing a blend of ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits [1][2][3] Group 1: Environmental Efforts - The roses were planted during the successful completion of the "lock edge" project, highlighting the commitment to ecological restoration in a harsh environment with an average annual rainfall of less than 50mm and evaporation exceeding 3000mm [1] - The cultivation of drought-resistant rose varieties, which can root up to 3 meters deep, plays a crucial role in stabilizing sand dunes and preventing soil erosion [2] Group 2: Economic and Social Impact - The development of a rose processing industry aims to promote sustainable agriculture and increase income for local communities, indicating a strategic approach to economic development alongside environmental restoration [2] - The ongoing efforts in desert reclamation reflect a spirit of perseverance and innovation, as local communities continue to explore and implement effective solutions against desertification [2][3] Group 3: Future Prospects - The initiative to cultivate rice in the desert represents a broader "green revolution," emphasizing the potential for agricultural development in previously unproductive areas [3] - The narrative of transforming the "death sea" into a landscape of green miracles suggests a hopeful outlook for future ecological and agricultural advancements in the region [3]

Group 1 - The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is focusing on greening key areas, particularly the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, through various projects such as photovoltaic sand control and biological sand control [1] - The "Locking Edge Project" of the Taklamakan Desert has entered a high-quality and normalized phase since its completion on November 28, 2024, with plans to complete 11.94 million mu of the "Three North" project this year, including 8.44 million mu for the desert edge [1] - Local communities are actively participating in afforestation efforts, with drought-resistant and economically valuable tree species being planted to enhance both ecological and economic benefits [1] Group 2 - The Xinjiang government has implemented nine measures to support the desert control efforts, focusing on policies, funding, and technology [2] - In the Aheler Township, the government covers infrastructure costs to encourage farmers to participate in sand control planting, with over 230 households cultivating more than 29,000 mu of land [2] - The Aksu region is utilizing small distributed photovoltaic systems to address water and electricity challenges for desert reclamation, achieving an 80% survival rate for planted trees over 63,000 mu [2] Group 3 - The Shaya County is exploring brine water desalination technology to further enhance sand control results, with a demonstration base showing good growth of crops like wheat and cabbage [3]