China’s masterstroke to avoid succumbing in the desert: a colossal megastructure containing over 83 million acres of sand

China has launched an ambitious plan to halt the threats posed by the vast Taklamakan Desert, one of the driest regions on Earth. Beyond exposure to extreme temperatures, dust and sandstorms have threatened to swallow entire towns for decades. Yet China has managed a dramatic turnaround thanks to two unlikely tools: straw and water pumps.

The challenge of moisture

One of the biggest problems created by this immense expanse of sand – covering about 130,000 square miles (337,000 km²) – is the near-total lack of humidity, which makes life in the region extraordinarily difficult. The Taklamakan, also known as the “Sea of Death,” is hemmed in by two major mountain ranges – Tian Shan to the north and Kunlun to the south. As a result, each square yard receives barely 1.3 gallons (5 liters) of water per week, roughly the equivalent of a small bottle.

Straw as the key to plant growth

Against this backdrop, straw emerged as a crucial ally in easing the problem. It is laid out in a geometric, chessboard-like pattern, with squares roughly 20 feet (six meters) on each side. These natural barriers slow the wind, stabilize the dunes and help the soil retain moisture for longer.This significantly increases the chances of seeds taking root in an otherwise hostile environment by creating a microclimate where moisture lingers. Over time, the straw decomposes and acts as an organic fertilizer, further enriching the soil.

200,000 trees watered in the heart of the desert

Planting trees in the desert, however, requires water. To meet that need, China has installed 86 solar-powered pumping stations along 271 miles (436 km) of the Tarim Desert Highway, deep in the desert’s interior. Each station uses photovoltaic panels to draw water from depths of about 330 feet (100 meters), feeding drip-irrigation systems that sustain more than 200,000 trees.At the same time, China is building solar thermal power plants using mirrors and molten salt, which can store energy and generate electricity even at night, effectively turning the desert into a kind of “solar battery.”

These efforts, which capitalize on the region’s abundant sunlight – about 2,700 hours a year – have already produced striking results. After decades of work, China says it has restored around 74 million acres (30 million hectares), improving air quality and cutting sandstorms by up to 82% compared with the 1980s.

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