Hunshandake Desert

Hunshandake Desert

The Hunshandake Desert is situated in the southern part of Xilin Gol League and the western part of Hexigten Banner in Chifeng City. It is a major source of sandstorms in central Inner Mongolia and also a key contributor to sandstorms affecting the Beijing-Tianjin region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Party and government leaders at all levels as well as the general public in the Hunshandake Desert area have treated desert control and ecological restoration as crucial tasks. They have launched a people’s campaign to combat desertification, curb the advance of sandstorms, and restore the ecosystem. The desert stretches approximately 340 kilometers from east to west—from the western foothills of the southern Da Hinggan Mountains to the Ji'er Railway—and about 30 to 100 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 21,400 square kilometers. The terrain is relatively flat, mostly consisting of fixed sand dunes and honeycomb-like sand hills, with flat sandy areas and lake basins often found between the dunes.

Over the course of nearly seven years, through the relentless efforts of the local people, some areas have seen forests take shape, green spaces expand, and the advancement of sandstorms significantly slow down. Ecological recovery has progressed rapidly, fully demonstrating the achievements in controlling sandstorm sources in central Inner Mongolia and the Beijing-Tianjin region. It has also highlighted successful experiences in ecological construction, while showcasing the special contributions made by the people of all ethnic groups in Inner Mongolia toward building a green barrier in northern China and supporting Beijing’s bid for a Green Olympics.