Tree bears fruit of answers in Lankao
Transforming Disaster-Stricken Lankao into a Thriving County
Lankao County, located in Kaifeng City, Henan Province, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a region plagued by natural disasters to a prosperous and sustainable area. This transformation was achieved through comprehensive environmental governance and industrial development.
In 1962, Jiao Yulu, secretary of the Lankao County Party Committee, led the masses in a battle against three natural disasters: sandstorms, saline-alkaline soil, and waterlogging. Today, Jiao Yulu's ingenious methods of covering sand dunes with excavated silt and planting trees to stabilize moving sands have found a new life. The paulownia forest in Lankao has become a green barrier, a source of vigorous vitality, and a breeding ground for Chinese traditional instruments like the guzheng and guqin.
Environmental remediation was a key measure in reclaiming and improving the land. The formerly barren and saline-alkali soils were rehabilitated into fertile farmland covering tens of thousands of mu (a Chinese unit of area). This was foundational in turning degraded land into productive agricultural bases. The introduction of salt-tolerant crops such as sweet potatoes, honey melons, and peanuts, known locally as the “New Three Treasures,” boosted agricultural productivity and farmers' incomes.
The use of "5G + smart agriculture" enabled precise, tech-driven cultivation, shifting from dependence on weather conditions to data-guided farming. This modernization contributed to steadily increasing grain yields and enhanced rural vitality. Vast photovoltaic (solar) panel installations and modern wind turbines were established to generate clean energy, meeting local electricity needs and feeding excess power to other regions, supporting sustainable industrial development.
Beyond ecology and industry, Lankao's progress extended to education, finance, culture, science and technology, and transportation infrastructure, collectively elevating the quality of life and economic prospects for its residents. Xuchang Village in Lankao produces over 100,000 units of guzheng and guqin annually, generating 150 million yuan (CNY) in output value.
The economic development in Lankao was showcased during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit, which took place in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, from July 23 to 27, 2025. The summit, themed "Upholding the 'Shanghai Spirit' to Build a More Beautiful Home," provided an opportunity for guests to learn about ecological protection and the high-quality development of the Yellow River. Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Mohamed Moustafa, Owner and Director of Asia Center for Studies and Translation from Egypt, was deeply impressed by China's achievements in poverty alleviation during his visit to Lankao.
The announcement of these achievements is from a specific issuer. The responsibility for the content of the announcement lies with the issuer.
- To further enhance Lankao County's growth, the local government could consider integrating environmental-science programs focused on climate-change research to devise strategies for maintaining the county's ecological balance, especially in countering potential future environmental challenges.
- As Lankao County continues to thrive, the integration of technology such as space-and-astronomy research into lifestyle and home-and-garden practices could offer innovative solutions for energy-efficient, eco-friendly practices, simultaneously promoting sustainable living and modernization.
- With the introduction of new agricultural technology and the successful cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, there is potential for Lankao County to expand its agricultural offerings and explore gardening methods suitable for growth in different climates and regions, promoting biodiversity in environmental-science and supporting the local lifestyle.
