Editor's note: Desertification is one of the biggest threats for Ningxia, surrounded by deserts on three sides. Over the past decades, the region has made significant efforts to curb desertification, increase reforestation and improve wetland protection through a series of environmental projects, resulting in a greener landscape. Let's take a look at the vibrant natural beauty of the region through these photos.

An aerial photo taken July 12 shows scenery at Yuehai Park in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yinchuan is paying greater attention to environmental protection in response to the central government's call to maintain sustainable development. To protect over 53,000 hectares of wetlands as well as almost 200 natural lakes and marshes, Yinchuan has strengthened its preservation efforts in recent years.