China has invested billions of pounds in infrastructure projects, as it seeks to boost the country’s economic fortunes. Many of these have included the construction of bridges, roads, railway lines and sea ports.
But Beijing has not been content to simply transform its transport facilities and has embarked on even more jaw-dropping schemes. Over the past 30 years, China has committed to massive desert reclamation projects. These efforts included tree-planting campaigns, irrigation systems, and advanced soil treatments to improve fertility.
One of the most remarkable examples of this transformation can be seen in the Kubuqi Desert, where the Chinese government has successfully greened large areas that were once just sand and dust.
Another is the construction of artificial lakes across the Taklamaken Desert in the country’s northwest region of Xinjiang.
The desert’s name is derived from the Uyghur language and means “the place of no return”, or “sea of death”, highlighting its harsh and inhospitable nature.
Aquaculture companies using innovative techniques have turned parts of the desert into a fish farming area, where salmon, lobster, shrimp and tilapia are cultivated on an industrial scale.
One such facility is located in Qiemo County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture.
The base uses advanced technology, including oxygenators and automated feeders, to maintain optimal conditions for marine fish growing in the ponds.
Covering approximately 1.3 hectares, the site includes two fish ponds, a breeding pool, and a seafood production workshop.
The ponds currently host around 100,000 marine fish, including golden pomfret, grouper, and seabass, as well as two million pearl oyster seedlings and other aquatic species for trial farming.
“Our fish have grown from 3 centimeters to 8 or 9 centimeters, showing excellent growth,” said Gong Yonghong, chairman of Shishixian Aquaculture Company.
“All of them are marine species. If things go on well, the first batch of fish will be market-ready in about four months.”
Adapting to local conditions, the facility uses desert saline-alkaline water combined with specially produced microorganisms to replicate marine conditions, marking a significant innovation in aquaculture.
