The Baolan Raiway went through the Tengger Desert for 140 kilometers. (Photos provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Local people explored ways to control sand.

People in Zhongwei developed the "wheat straw grid sand fixation method" to control sand.

Zhongwei has made remarkable achievements in sand control.

Zhang Kezhi, left, received a UNEP "Global 500" award in 1994 in London. Zhongwei's remarkable achievements in sand control got the world's attention.

People in Zhongwei have won the battle against the desert.

A "green corridor" was developed in the Tengger Desert.

The once inaccessible desert has become a tourist magnet.