Thousands of young volunteers from across China have traveled to Minqin county, Gansu Province, Northwest China, to plant trees and help combat desertification, turning the local tree-planting drive into a social media phenomenon.

Volunteers dig water storage pits at a planting area of the Minqin Forestry Public Welfare Development Center in Minqin county on April 20, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

According to local data, more than 50,000 people applied online for the 2026 spring tree-planting activity, and more than 46,000 took part. Even after the spring planting season ended, volunteers continued to go to Minqin. During the May Day holiday, more than 400 volunteers joined tree-planting activities each day.

Located between the Badain Jaran and Tengger deserts, Minqin was once one of China's most severely desertified regions. For many years, residents have worked to prevent sand expansion and control desertification by planting drought-resistant species such as saxaul trees. In recent years, growing youth participation has drawn wider attention to Minqin's sand-control efforts.

An aerial photo shows volunteers carrying out sand-control and afforestation work at a planting area of the Minqin Forestry Public Welfare Development Center in Minqin county on April 21, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Many young participants share their experiences on social media and post videos, inspiring even more people to join. Some families now return every year, viewing tree planting as a long-term commitment to the environment. They hope that one day, their children will see the trees they planted grow into a beautiful oasis.

The Chinese national flag waves in the desert of Minqin during a tree-planting activity. (Photo: Xiaohongshu user Aqianqian)

Local authorities report that Minqin has made significant strides in combating desertification in recent years, resulting in a continued reduction of desertified land. For many volunteers, planting a tree in Minqin represents not only an environmental initiative but also a symbol of hope and responsibility.

"We're planting trees not just for the environment but for our future," a volunteer said.

(Compiled by intern Lu Mengjie)