Wang Zhanfeng's Affectionate Dedication to Reforestation in Youyu County

For more than four decades, Wang Zhanfeng has immersed himself in the harsh mountainous terrain of Youyu County, located in northern Shanxi province. He started the ambitious project of planting trees in an area plagued by drifting yellow sands, and his efforts have resulted in the conversion of over 200 hectares into verdant woodlands that have positively transformed the ecosystem of the region.

Wang, who hails from Laoqiangkuang village and is now 74, showcases his commitment through his calloused hands, evidence of years of hard work and perseverance. "During my childhood, we had to cover our bowls while eating because of the sand in the air," Wang recounted in an interview with China Daily. The villagers would often wear protective gear, including windproof goggles and masks, when they stepped outside, and on extremely windy days, they needed to use lamps indoors just to see.

Youyu faces its geographical challenges, lying less than 100 kilometers from the Mu Us Desert and situated in a natural wind corridor that allows Siberian cold air to sweep in. In the early days of New China, this area grappled with serious environmental issues, including significant desertification and low survival rates for plants. There was even a time when international environmental experts described it as one of the "least suitable areas for human habitation", suggesting that relocating the entire population might be necessary. However, the residents of Youyu were resolved to change their circumstances.