"Green now dominates this area, and there is little wind. Headcloths and masks used to be essential outside and visibility disappeared in sandy winds," he says.
With an initial investment of more than 10 million yuan, Li is hoping to earn hundreds of million of yuan from his timber crop in about 12 years.
Chinese law stipulates that felled trees must be replanted and timber businesses must be officially authorized by the government.
However, Professor Wang Shi, of Jilin University, says desertification is still a serious problem and its management is increasingly difficult.
"Overgrazing and excessive land reclamation still exist. The ecosystems of some areas that have been managed are still vulnerable. Efforts should be made to study more effective technologies to tackle the problem." Enditem
Editor's Note: June 17 marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
