On Inner Mongolia’s Amugulang grassland, a young herder named Maxibatu runs a ranch with his relatives, much like his family has done for generations, despite challenges to the business poised by the region’s harsh climate. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu (right) was born and raised on the ranch. In 2015, he decided to return with his wife to the home where he grew up after studying and working in the Inner Mongolian city of Baotou. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu and his neighbors on March 30 try to catch a cow that needs to be vaccinated. Neighbors often lend a helping hand in the area since so many young people have left. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu feeds a flock of sheep. More than 180 lambs were born this year. Due to insufficient grazing land, he had to purchase additional feed, which cost him more than 80,000 yuan ($11,603). Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu sold one sheep for 435 yuan, lower than usual because the animal was frail after getting injured by a horse. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

A herd of horses rests under a signboard that reads ‘Shenzhou-5,’ as the area was the landing site for the Shenzhou-5 spacewalk mission. Maxibatu’s home is located less than 5 kilometers away. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Giriger, Maxibatu’s mother, drives a herd of horses on March 31 as the wind kicks up dust from the plain. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu adds water to the ranch’s well. His truck can carry 5 tons of water at a time. In this season, that amount can supply their ranch for about a week. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu prepares hay for the horses. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu repairs the entrance to the sheep pen that was damaged by the herd. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu waits to have dinner with his wife and son. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu repairs an internet cable damaged by the weather. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

On April 2, Maxibatu fetches water by hand because the snow had damaged the circuit for the well’s water pump. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Maxibatu and his family assemble a wind turbine for the ranch in April 2021. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Like the majority of ranches on the grassland, Maxibatu’s consists of a residence, sheep pens and a well. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin