A massive irrigation system was constructed that pump water from underground reservoirs to sustain the artificial ecosystem.
Despite the high saline content in the water, the green belt continues to thrive.
A lone pumping station by the side of the Tarim Desert Highway.
Photo by George Steinmetz
For five years the government experimented with various plants that could survive desert conditions.
In 2001, the project was expanded until a 30.8-km stretch along the highway was afforested.
The project was finally approved by the state in 2003.
Beneath the shifting sands contains the largest oil-gas field in China.
Photo fromwww.360cities.net
Satellite image shows part of the Tarim Desert Highway covered by sand.
