Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has achieved remarkable progress in controlling desertification around the Taklimakan Desert, China's largest desert spanning over 330,000 square kilometers. The region has established a 3,046-kilometer sand-blocking barrier around the desert—the longest such ecological barrier in the world.

As of October 2025, Xinjiang had successfully treated more than 914,000 hectares of desertified land. Local counties have contributed significantly to this effort, with Qiemo County creating windbreak forests stretching over 20 kilometers and Bachu County treating 66,600 hectares through ecological restoration techniques.

The desert control initiative has successfully integrated ecological and economic benefits, with desert-grown economic crops now covering 720,000 hectares and generating 28.9 billion yuan in output value. Additional economic activities include cultivation of Chinese medicinal herbs, cash crops, and aquaculture operations spanning 350 hectares for species such as crabs, bass, and lobsters.