During the 2025 spring planting season, related hashtags generated more than 170 million views across online platforms.

The movement has attracted broad public support. Donors from across China have provided mobile toilets, prefab housing, solar power equipment, and daily supplies for volunteers. "Most of our funding comes from donations by companies and ordinary people," said Ma Junhe, a Minqin native who has participated in desert-control work for nearly two decades.

Volunteer Li Xiuniang joined Ma's camp in October last year. Li not only worked to build sand barriers herself but also donated one metric ton of rice to support the volunteers.

"Desert control may take place in Minqin, but it is not only Minqin's problem," Li said. "If the deserts break through here, they could threaten areas even further inland. This is something the whole country should support."

According to local forestry authorities, by May 2025, Minqin had completed a fully enclosed protective green belt stretching 380 kilometers around the oasis, covering a total area of over 143,000 hectares. "This is the result of the wisdom and hard work of Minqin's people, as well as the selfless dedication of volunteers," said Jiang Liling, deputy director of Minqin's forestry and grassland bureau.

Ma Aibin contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at huyumeng@chinadaily.com.cn