"This place has been our summer home for as long as I can remember," says Erdenetsugla, 41.

"The pristine environment, with its abundant grazing grounds and clear streams, nourishes our livestock and provides for our families," he says. "We in turn must take care of it for future generations."

Erdenetsugla's view is shared by many fellow herders in Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, where time-honored nomadic practices stretching back to the Neolithic period allow the community to live in harmony with nature.

Lauded as a global green model of success, Ar Horqin is now bringing together tradition and innovation to ride the latest trends in sustainable development, online and on the ground.