Seven different designs by Chinese contemporary artists make up a set of handkerchiefs. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ma Chengzhe, whose hometown is adjacent to Alashan, believed that prevention of desertification was crucial for Inner Mongolia, and even northern China. He wished to raise greater awareness for environmental problems through his work.

Famous Chinese entrepreneur Ren Zhiqiang, former chairman of Huayuan Property Co. Ltd, attended the activity on Friday night, where he sang a popular Chinese folk rhyme Diu Shou Juan (hunt-the-thimble), and delivered a speech off the cuff.

Ren said that a lot of Chinese factories refused to produce handkerchiefs, because demand was not strong enough. He wished encourage more people to use handkerchiefs, a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, in their daily life through such an activity.

There were 2016 sets of handkerchiefs produced for the "100 million sacsaoul trees". Aside from those sold Friday night, another 116 sets will be auctioned off in Shanghai on November 19.