Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

Heicheng ruins in Inner Mongolia

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Heicheng ruins in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Heicheng ruins, built in the ninth century, was the largest and best preserved ancient city on the Silk Road. Photo by Lian Zhen/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

Populus Euphratica Forest - China

An aerial drone photo taken on October 30, 2025 shows the scenery of a populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo by Xinhua/Lian Zhen/ABACAPRESS.CO

Mute swans forage on Juyan Lake in N China

STORY: Mute swans forage on Juyan Lake in N China SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 19, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: HOHHOT, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of mute swan STORYLINE: Dozens of mute swans were spotted foraging on the Juyan Lake in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. With continuous efforts on environmental protection, the Juyan Lake is now home to various kinds of migratory birds. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hohhot, China. (XHTV)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows Delg's home deep in the desert in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg (R) and her son prune a Haloxylon plant in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Ren Junchuan)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg waters Haloxylon plants in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg prunes a Haloxylon plant in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg touches the first tree she and her husband Su He planted in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Su He plants a Haloxylon seedling in the desert in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, March 30, 2015. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows Delg patrolling in the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows bungalows built by Su He and Delg near the Heicheng relic site in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg (R) and her son look at an old photo in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg (R) and her son pose for a photo after pruning Haloxylon plants in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg arranges Haloxylon branches she cut off while pruning in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Oct. 28, 2023 shows Delg watering a Haloxylon plant in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg patrols in the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg touches the first tree she and her husband Su He planted in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg walks beside the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Ren Junchuan)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows Delg patrolling in the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg rests under a Haloxylon plant in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg patrols in the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Ren Junchuan)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg stands beside the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 27, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Ren Junchuan)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Su He plants Haloxylon seedlings in the desert in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Apr. 18, 2014. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Delg waters a Haloxylon plant in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 28, 2023. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua/Ren Junchuan)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-DESERT-PLANTER (CN)

(231030) -- EJINA BANNER, Oct. 30, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Su He (R) and Delg walk in the Haloxylon forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Apr. 4, 2014. Su He, dubbed a "role model of the times," was a retired cadre living near the Heicheng relic site, a well preserved ancient city on the Silk Road, in Ejina Banner. Su and her wife Delg planted a Haloxylon forest covering 3,500 mu (about 233.33 hectares) from 2004 to 2021, which still serves as an ecological shield against sandstorms to the Heicheng relic site. Delg and their son stayed to take care of and expand the Haloxylon forest after Su's passing in 2021. Bungalows built by Su and Delg when they initially took root in the desert in 2004 still stand there, but are now flanked by trees. The Su family chose to keep composing an ode to life and green in this rarely visited area of desert. (Xinhua)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 17, 2023 shows a view of Juyan Lake in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 17, 2023 shows a view of Juyan Lake in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows a view of the desert poplar (populus euphratica) forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A relict gull flies over the Juyan Lake in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, May 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows a view of the desert poplar (populus euphratica) forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows the scenery in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows a view of the desert poplar (populus euphratica) forest in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-EJINA BANNER-SCENERY (CN)

(230517) -- ALXA, May 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 15, 2023 shows a view of Juyan Lake in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Bei He)

China's Inner Mongolia sees more migratory birds

STORY: China's Inner Mongolia sees more migratory birds DATELINE: April 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: HOHHOT, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: various of birdsSOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANPING, Photography enthusiastvarious of birdsvarious of photography enthusiastsSOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG ZHIFANG, Photography enthusiast STORYLINE: Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has seen a growing number of migratory birds as local ecological restoration efforts paid off. The migratory birds, such as black-headed gull, ruddy shelducks, grey goose and whooper swan, perch in the marsh waters for food and recuperate. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHAO JIANPING, Photography enthusiast "There are more birds this year than previous years, with more numbers and species." SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG ZHIFANG, Photography enthusiast "We are deeply impressed by such large flocks of birds. It shows that environment in Ejina Banner has greatly improved." A total of 128 species

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-JUYANHAI WETLAND-BIRDS (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-JUYANHAI WETLAND-BIRDS (CN)

(220414) -- ALXA, April 14, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A migrant bird is pictured at Juyanhai wetland in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-JUYANHAI WETLAND-BIRDS (CN)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-JUYANHAI WETLAND-BIRDS (CN)

(220414) -- ALXA, April 14, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A migrant bird is pictured at Juyanhai wetland in Ejina Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Peng Yuan)