Minqin, Minqin County in Gansu, was a natural oasis centered around Qingtu lake, the terminus of the Shiyang river, which has been affected by upstream water development, irrigation and fall in the level of ground water. After completion of an upstream dam in 1958 local farmers turned to irrigation from wells, but the water level has fallen greatly and large numbers of farmers have emigrated from the area to cities in search of work. The crisis in Minqin drew national attention and an expensive project was undertaken which artificially restored Qingtu lake, but without changing the underlying water shortage affecting the area.