Tongliao, once a barren area of sand and gravel at the eastern edge of the Gobi Desert, has been transformed into lush grasslands with rows of poplar trees, becoming the heart of China's growing cattle industry. This shift is driven by climate change, which has made the region warmer and wetter, and by tariffs on imported beef that have made domestic production more profitable.
According to reports, the area's annual precipitation has increased by about 20% over the past few decades, allowing grass to grow where only camels once roamed. The Chinese government has also invested in irrigation and tree planting to combat desertification, further aiding the transformation.
Tariffs on beef imports, particularly from the United States and Australia, have raised prices for foreign beef, making Chinese-raised cattle more competitive. This has encouraged local farmers to expand their herds, with Tongliao now hosting over 1 million head of cattle, up from a few hundred thousand a decade ago.
However, environmentalists warn that the rapid expansion of cattle farming could strain water resources and lead to overgrazing, potentially reversing the gains in grassland restoration. The Chinese government has implemented quotas and subsidies to promote sustainable practices, but enforcement remains a challenge.
As of 2026, China is the world's second-largest beef consumer, and domestic production now meets about 80% of demand, up from 70% in 2020. The transformation of Tongliao illustrates how climate change and trade policies can reshape agricultural landscapes, with both opportunities and risks.
