Our planet is always full of surprises. For instance, deserts are some of the driest places on Earth yet still host thriving plant life. However, in China, there exists a very peculiar city where not a single tree has managed to grow for thousands of years. In fact, the city government has even offered a reward of 300,000 RMB (over 1 billion VND) to anyone who can successfully plant a tree, but to this day, that money remains untouched. What makes this city so special that no green trees can survive?
Thousands of Years Without a Single Tree
The city we are discussing today is Nagqu. “Nagqu” in Tibetan means “Black River, Black Water.” Nagqu is a prefecture-level city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Although Nagqu spans over 450,000 square kilometers, its population is less than 400,000. This city is characterized by its wildlife, pristine grasslands, and well-preserved rural culture.
Nagqu is a city with wildlife and vast grasslands in Tibet, China. (Photo: Baidu)
Nagqu is like a gem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, boasting numerous attractive tourist spots such as the Changtang grasslands, the Yamtung reserve, monasteries, and the sacred Namtso Lake. Additionally, it is home to many hot springs, serving as a sanctuary for various wildlife and plant species. There are over 1,000 lakes scattered across the grasslands of the Nagqu plateau. However, despite the beautiful landscapes and sprawling grasslands, it is incredibly difficult to find a single tree in this city.
There are many reasons why trees cannot survive in Nagqu.
The first factor hindering tree growth is the permafrost present in Nagqu. According to the book “Planting Trees in the Valley,” the essentials of tree planting include ensuring the roots are robust and the soil is evenly compacted. However, Nagqu, located on the Tibetan plateau, has one of the largest distributions of permafrost in China. The climate here is too cold, making it difficult for the permafrost to thaw, preventing trees from establishing roots.
Nagqu has stunning scenery, yet the entire city lacks a single green tree. (Photo: Baidu)
The second obstacle preventing tree survival in Nagqu is the thin air. As we know, any species of flora or fauna requires air to thrive, as air is crucial for respiration. Scientists have shown that the amount of oxygen in the air directly affects the growth and survival of plants. When the oxygen concentration falls below 20%, the respiratory process of plants starts to decline, leading to stunted growth.
The Tibetan plateau averages over 4,200 meters above sea level, with an oxygen level of around 20%. Since Nagqu is entirely located on this plateau, oxygen levels are even lower. In Nagqu, even the minimum oxygen level necessary for plant survival is hard to achieve. Therefore, it is understandable that trees struggle to develop in Nagqu.
Nagqu’s low air quality prevents trees from thriving. (Photo: Baidu)
In addition to these two factors, trees face another significant challenge in Nagqu due to strong winds. This is typical weather for the Tibetan plateau. The climate is dry, with little rainfall, and there are significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly with frequent strong winds.
Annually, from November to March, the city of Nagqu enters a dry season with strong winds carrying sand and dust. Scientists estimate that the winds in Nagqu are so powerful that even giant weeping willows can be uprooted or snapped. Consequently, any trees attempting to grow here cannot escape this “tragic fate.” Especially during windy seasons, the vegetation in Nagqu disappears without a trace.
Even during the most temperate climate from May to September, trees still cannot thrive. This is because the annual rainfall in Nagqu is extremely low, at only about 400 mm, making the presence of a single green tree even more unlikely.
Low rainfall and strong winds are factors that make tree growth difficult in Nagqu. (Photo: Baidu)
According to Xinhuanet, the absence of green trees in Nagqu has made it challenging for many workers to adapt. Many individuals even take advantage of their days off to catch a bus to Lhasa just to find a shaded tree and sit there.
However, the residents of Nagqu refuse to accept this reality. The city government is eager to find a solution to this issue. They have even offered a reward of 300,000 RMB (over 1 billion VND) to anyone who can successfully plant a tree in Nagqu.
Determined to Green the City
Motivated by this desire, many officials from the Forestry Bureau, soldiers stationed in Nagqu, and various researchers collaborated to implement a tree-planting project in the area. Initially, they conducted trials on two soil samples. They selected tree species that could withstand cold and windy conditions, such as willow, cypress, fir, and spruce for planting.
Researchers and the people of Nagqu are determined to green the city. (Photo: Baidu)
The researchers aimed to provide the best possible environment for the experimental planting of these trees. However, despite careful nurturing, only 14 saplings survived. It seems that the scientists’ efforts in planting trees have yet to yield significant results.
By 2016, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China initiated a greening project in Nagqu. The project’s goal was to focus on researching and developing tree planting technologies and greening models in the city of Nagqu.
Tree saplings in Nagqu are cared for with meticulous technology. (Photo: Baidu)
The researchers decided to use several types of trees that can endure harsh climates, such as spruce, cypress, willow, desert willow, honeysuckle, and various shrubs. These seeds were collected from the wild, subsequently screened, germinated, and the best saplings selected for breeding. Methods applied in the project included planting trees under grass canopies, mixing vitamins into the soil, watering the trees with warm water, and protecting them with greenhouses.
According to information from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, later on, the scientists constructed solar panels to generate electricity fed into a network of copper wires laid on the ground to generate heat. The increase in soil temperature helps melt the permafrost, allowing the trees to take root. Ultimately, they were successfully bred.
The number of saplings in Nagqu has increased to over 300,000. (Photo: Baidu)
The survival rate of saplings at the experimental facility in Nagqu has reached 75%. They have successfully survived the harsh winter conditions in the area, creating a remarkable achievement. Currently, the number of saplings in Nagqu has risen to over 300,000, and the presence of trees can now be seen in several areas of the city.
