In the summer, tourists occasionally stop by. Huang loves to treat them with pride. "It makes me happy to see them enjoy our food," she said.

The toughest moments come during sandstorms. "Even with the door sealed, it's hard to breathe. The noise is terrifying," Huang said.

Still, the couple finds deep meaning in their work. When the red willows they plant begin to thrive with an 80 to 90 percent survival rate, they feel a quiet sense of pride.

Over 100 such stations now form a living shield across the desert. Behind them are ordinary people like Huang and Li, who are turning the sandy desert green.