A Couple's Commitment to Sustaining Life Along the Desert Highway

On a windswept sand dune, amidst drought-resistant plants, Huang Maotao, 58, and her husband meticulously monitor the progress of their newly planted red willows. These trees are a vital component of the greenbelt that lines the extensive Tarim Desert Highway in Xinjiang.

Their daily routine involves a series of essential tasks. They diligently inspect the irrigation systems, ensuring the efficient delivery of water. They apply fertilizers and pesticides to nurture the vegetation and maintain the health of the plants. Furthermore, they keep the area clean and tidy. In the early spring, they participate in the planting of new vegetation, contributing to the ongoing expansion of the greenbelt. This marks their third year as guardians of the fourth water station along China's pioneering zero-carbon desert highway, a place they have come to regard as their second home.

From March to October, the couple resides at the water station, dedicating themselves to the care of the station and the surrounding desert greenbelt. During the remaining months of the year, they return to their hometown in Sichuan province. Before this, Huang had a long career, running a clothing business for three decades. However, after being diagnosed with glaucoma in recent years, she made the decision to retire from that profession and embark on a new chapter.