In 1988, Wang Chengbang retired(退役) from the army. Instead of enjoying a relaxing life, he volunteered to plant trees in Xinjiang.
It is not an easy job. The high temperature makes it difficult for anyone to work day after day in the sunshine. It also makes it hard for the small trees to grow up. Besides, water shortage(短缺) is a big problem. In fact, most of the trees died at first.
But Wang Chengbang would not give up. "After trying many different ways, I have learned how to grow young trees in a better way," said Wang Chengbang. He also worked out new ways to save water. With his hard work, more and more trees have been planted. So far, he has planted more than 1.5 million trees. Those trees prevent desertification(沙漠化) making the air cleaner and protecting people from the hot sun.
Wang Chengbang is also successful in fighting cancer(癌症). In 2005, he had cancer and was told that he had only six months to live. However, he continued taking care of his trees rather than lying on the hospital bed. "Working is the best medicine. Planting trees helps to fight cancer, "he often jokes.
