In 1988, Wang Chengbang retired (退休) from the army. Instead of enjoying a relaxing life, he volunteered to save the soil from desertification (沙漠化) by planting trees in Korla, Xinjiang.
It is no easy job. The high temperature in Korla makes it difficult for anyone to work day after day in the sunshine. Besides, water is a big problem. In fact Wang Chengbang's work in the fist few years failed as very few trees survived (存活).
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 survived. So far, he has planted more than 1.5 million trees. Those green res prevent desertification, make the air cleaner and protect people from the hot sun. Now, Korla is a model city in environmental protection.
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 tree rather than lying on the hospital bed. "Working is the best medicine. Planting trees helps to fight cancer, "he often jokes.
Now at the age of 85, Wang Chengbang is still working.
