Volunteers from across China have flocked to a remote northwestern town to join a viral anti-desertification campaign to plant more than 1 million saplings. 

Starting February, more than 30,000 volunteers have traveled at their own expense to Minqin County in the northwestern Gansu province to participate in the initiative, dubbed “Plant a Tree in Minqin.” The strategy involves cultivating drought-resistant tree species, including saxaul, whitethorns, and licorice.

Situated between the Tengger and Badain Jaran deserts, Minqin, home to roughly 170,000 people, has long fought desertification, with mass tree-planting campaigns dating back to the 1950s. More than 90% of its land is now at risk. 

The initiative was launched in 2024 by Zhong Lin, a local who returned home to work on desert control after graduating from university in 2020. Zhong raised funds for reforestation by selling agricultural products online and promoted anti-desertification efforts via short-video platforms. 

The campaign later gained nationwide attention after it was featured in an episode of the hit show “Become a Farmer” aired in April 2024, in which 10 urban youth were chosen to cultivate 450 acres of land within 190 days. It gained a further boost earlier this year after the county’s public welfare center opened online registration for volunteers on Feb. 5.

College students and young professionals aged 20 to 35 make up roughly 80% of participants, local organizers told domestic media. Other volunteers include environmental advocates, fans of “Become a Farmer,” and parents looking to teach their children about desert planting.

Seven local attractions have introduced special incentives for volunteers, including waived first-entry admission fees and half-price sightseeing bus fares. A number of curated travel routes have also been launched, guiding visitors through tree-planting sites and major scenic areas, where cultural performances and live-action exhibitions showcase Minqin’s landscapes and heritage.

Chen Youfeng, 34, from the southern Guangdong province, first learned about the tree-planting initiative through a viral video featuring a young woman whose hands had hardened after a month of working in Minqin. “Her perseverance inspired me,” Chen told Sixth Tone. “So I signed up immediately for a six-day trip this March.”

Volunteers dig pits, plant saplings, and compact soil in the area. “Camaraderie thrives here,” Chen said. “Every sapling feels like a small victory for the team.” She recalled helping free a bus stuck in the mud and the shared laughter and celebration among those involved. 

While the sandstorms, rugged terrain, and cramped dormitories tested her endurance, Chen said she found the experience deeply rewarding, stressing the importance of collective action in the face of environmental problems. 

Editor: Marianne Gunnarsson.

(Header image: Volunteers plant trees in Minqin County, Gansu province, April 21, 2026. Xinhua)