Ordos Engbei Tourist Area

　　    "Engbei" means "auspicious." It is situated in the Dalad Banner section of the Kubuqi Desert, deep in the hinterlands of Ordos City, 60 kilometers from Baotou. Historically, this area was once covered in lush grass and teeming with herds of livestock, but over time, vegetation deteriorated and it gradually turned into desert. In 1989, China and Germany launched a wind power project here, and in 1990, Professor Yasunori Toyanaga led volunteers to engage in sand control. To date, he has mobilized thousands of Japanese citizens to plant 2 million trees.

　　    Engbei is located within Wulan Township, Dalad Banner, in the Kubuqi Desert in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, covering a total area of 300,000 mu, all of which was previously desertified land. Today, it has been designated as a National Ecological Construction Demonstration Zone by the State Environmental Protection Administration, enjoying international renown and a legendary reputation.

　　    "Engbei," a Mongolian term, means peace and auspiciousness. Historically, it was a place with abundant water and grass, and picturesque scenery, serving as the economic and cultural center of the region. Here lie the silent relics of the Qin and Han dynasties; here stands the Xiyuan City built by Mu Guiying during her campaign to the West; here was once the headquarters of Ayuorse'na, the renowned leader of the "Duguilang" movement in modern Chinese history; here rest the loyal spirits of 500 soldiers who fought in the War of Resistance against Japan; here lies the "Heavenly Divine Rock" that stirs the imagination; here flows the "Dragon Spring Sacred Water" that refreshes the body and mind; here stood the Engbei Temple, where the lights burned bright day and night... Yet, war, floods, deforestation, and over-farming eventually reduced the landscape to sand, driving away herders and farmers alike. By 1989, before the establishment of the Engbei Demonstration Zone, the 300,000 mu of land had almost no inhabitants.

　　    -,-,-, Zhang Pinghua, and other veteran proletarian revolutionaries learned about the development of the area through various channels. A former member of the Politburo of the Central Committee and Minister of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, -, personally visited the site to inspect and plant trees. In 1990, Professor Yasunori Toyanaga, honorary professor at Tottori University in Japan and president of the Desert Greening Practical Association, led his volunteer team to Engbei to plant trees in his advanced years, bringing international recognition to Engbei's development. Currently, 3 million trees, over 30,000 mu of shrubs, and 50,000 mu of grass have been planted in the demonstration zone. Flood diversion has developed 12,000 mu of land, and over 1,000 mu of cash crops have been cultivated. Two vineyards totaling 80 mu, a 100-mu garden, a 300-mu grass seed base, and a 250-mu nursery have been established. The vegetation coverage rate has increased from 5% to 40%. Three water storage dams have been built using gullies, with a total water storage capacity of 3 million cubic meters. Sand hazards have been effectively controlled, and water disasters have been completely eliminated. The improved ecological environment has driven the development of the sand industry and tourism. The newly bred Engbei new breed of white cashmere goats has been hailed by experts as the most promising goat breed in China. Ostrich farming, praised as the "superstar" of the livestock industry, has become the leading sector of the Engbei sand industry, with numbers exceeding 10,000, making it the largest breeding base in North and Northwest China. Sand-loving plants such as licorice, wild onion, wild mustard, and bitterweed have become popular green foods entering the market.

　　    Engbei has now developed into a renowned tourist area integrating the viewing of rare desert wildlife, desert landscapes, ecological agriculture, sand plants, and comprehensive services for tourists. The lonely smoke in the desert, the setting sun over the long river, the blue water and sky, the green trees and refreshing breeze, historical culture, and heroic deeds together form the rich cultural phenomena and tourism resources of Engbei, attracting thousands of tourists who come here by name.