While a few plants still survive the severe environment, abandoned houses fall into disrepair.  

A woman is weighing Cistanche Deserticola, a special local herb that her husband has collected from nearby shrubberies. 

A former herdsman has settled down and begun farming instead. 

Water reigns supreme for every family in Tamusubulage..  

With the skin of his last sheep being dried in the sun, the herdsman is prepared to bid farewell to his nomadic lifestyle.

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Since 2004, EO's senior photographer Luo Jian has been working on "China Corner", a photo project that focuses on overlooked communities impacted by China's urbanization and other processes. Different themes under this project will be featured in Photo Essay once a week. Luo is a graduate from the China News Academy. The accompanying essay was written by staff editor Zuo Maohong.