The gabion sand barrier of the Danghe River management project. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Dunhuang, a cultural gem located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Gansu province and renowned for its Mogao Grottoes murals, faces serious ecological challenges such as desertification and soil erosion. To protect both its environment and cultural heritage, the city is implementing an extensive ecological project along the Danghe River.

As the lifeline of Dunhuang's oasis, the Danghe River has long been threatened by drifting sand from the Mingsha Mountain and continuous water erosion, leading to sedimentation, reduced flood discharge capacity, and risks to downstream ecology and safety.

In 2024, Dunhuang initiated the first phase of the project in the Heishanyazi–Heishanzui section of the lower Danghe River. The construction of three spur dikes and a 5,300-meter-long gabion sand barrier helped to effectively stabilize sand and soil, adding 1.6 square kilometers of treated area. 

In 2025, the project expanded to cover 6.7 sq km from Danghe Reservoir to Heishanzui. A 2,005-meter barrier, along with straw and shrub barriers, created a multi-dimensional system that enhanced sand and wind control while protecting nearby farmland and infrastructure.

Since implementation, sand inflow has dropped significantly, the rate of bank erosion has decreased by over 60 percent, and flood capacity has improved by 30 percent, securing the safety of over 100,000 downstream residents.

The straw grid sand barrier of the Danghe River management project. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

The Western Thousand-Buddha Caves, considered the "sister caves" of the Mogao Grottoes, were at risk of collapse due to water erosion against the cliffs. In 2025, the project prioritized this section with a specially designed 290-meter multi-level gabion barrier that mitigates undercutting by water and removes unstable rock masses, providing a safety buffer for the grottoes.

The Danghe River management project showcases Dunhuang's commitment to ecological and cultural preservation. It will serve as a model for integrated environmental protection, aiming to become a national standard in desertification control and heritage conservation.