Vibrant Qingtu Lake in Minqin county, Wuwei, Gansu province, captured by drone on July 30, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

In the height of summer, a visit to Qingtu Lake in Minqin county, Wuwei, Gansu province, reveals a stunning scene of lush reeds and foraging water birds. Once the terminal lake of the Shiyang River, Qingtu Lake has long been known for its beauty.

However, as history unfolded, Qingtu Lake gradually shrank and by 1959, it had completely dried up. The once vibrant lakebed turned into a source of fierce sandstorms, making Qingtu Lake the largest wind-blown sand area in northern Minqin county.

Since the implementation of the Shiyang River Basin management plan, Minqin county has undertaken extensive ecological restoration in the Qingtu Lake area. This has involved the use of new sand control technologies and materials, large-scale afforestation, and protective measures.

After more than half a century of drought, Qingtu Lake has transformed into a 127-square-kilometer wetland in this arid region, with 27.65 square kilometers of water surface restored. This revival has effectively curbed desertification and raised groundwater levels.

The transformation of Qingtu Lake stands as a testament to Minqin county's commitment to ecological improvement and its dedication to ecological civilization and green development.