Once plagued by drought, Youyu in northwestern Shanxi province is now an eco-friendly county that has become a natural habitat and paradise for more than 160 species of birds, including around 30 rare and endangered species.

Over the past 70 years, the county has carried out a number of ecological protection projects, including the planting of trees.

Thanks to greening efforts by generations of residents, the county's forest coverage has increased from less than 0.3 percent to 56 percent.

The environmental changes have also increased its biodiversity.