In the center of the Ulan Buh Desert in Bayannao'er in northwest China's Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, the vast land is covered with endless sand. Only some desert plants like the saxauls survive. However, further examine will reveal that there is a wealth of greenery hidden beneath the sand's surface.

Photo taken on July 16 shows the saxaul forest in Dengkou County of Bayannao'er in northwest China's Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. [CnDG by Jiao Meng]

Ma Xuexian, vice chief of the Forestry Bureau of Dengkou County, introduced the Bureau's experience in the sandy region in a more economical way on July, 16, 2010.

"Planting saxaul is a good way to build a windbreak belt," he explained, "a Saxaul forest is unique brushwood that can help us achieve an environment of plants, animal kingdom, microclimate condition and soil."

"What' more, saxauls are able to be parasitized by cistanche deserticola underground, a precious medical material. It enables farmers who plant saxauls increase their income while protecting ecological environment," he said.