Editor's note: After Chinese government's decades-long endeavor to ensure environmental protection and resource conservation, Saihanba has become a model for China's green development. Different from the past barren desert, modern-day Saihanba is often called" the Green Lung of North China". It serves a practical purpose – keeping down sand and conserving water – as well as being a tourist attraction. China Daily foreign readers share their opinions about Saihanba's story and achievements in environmental protection and green protection in China.

Verastar (Australia)

Green is the choice for every responsible nation like China, for a determined and persistent region like Saihanba and for every individual like the loyal and devoted forest guardian. Only through unwavering and combined efforts will we witness more miracles arising from the barren desert.

File photo shows scenery of Saihanba in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/VCG]

Zayne C(US)

I think China is doing a great job of making sections of land, such as the former desert and now green space, an enjoyable place for people to visit. I think advertising more of these places as tourist spots would be a good promotional effort as well. I think what happens is that most foreigners tend to just see metropolitan cities in China, which unfortunately also face the worst air and water pollution as well as daily waste. China is doing a great job outside in rural areas and good efforts are being made in the cities, but I do think that more awareness can be raised to help city residents see the benefits of recycling.

File photo shows scenery of Saihanba in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/VCG]  

Hëaler (Switerland)

Picturesque landscape and legendary story. We, as growing youngsters, all should learn the arduous and frugal spirit from predecessors. Good luck, forest guardians!

Two cows graze on the grassland in Saihanba in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, North China's Hebei province. [Photo/VCG]  

Jacob K(US)

In the Trump-era, it's really important for other global powers to take environmentally responsible actions to help fill the gap left by the anti-science, anti-environment Trump administration. So, I'm happy to hear China is doing something beneficial for the environment and making its country greener.

File photo shows scenery of Saihanba in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/VCG]

Barbara Gordon(US)

The Chinese government is setting an excellent example for the future by filling up these desert spaces. I do think there also has to be more education to the general public on how to protect the environment, by recycling, disposing of waste, and keeping waterways clean. Environmentalism begins with good government policies and steps, but they have to be well regulated or nothing will change. China is taking a step in the right direction. I hope in the future that China can move towards closing down coal factories in order to deal with major industry pollution.

File photo shows scenery of Saihanba in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]

Alice (Russia)

The government is doing a good job with planting more plants and making China become greener. It has been effectively combining industrial development with ecological development, and following the environmentally friendly economy.

Photo taken on July 11, 2017 shows Saihanba National Forest Park in Weichang Manchu and Mongolian autonomous county in Chengde, Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]