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The conflict over many decades between human resource needs and the environment has led to increasingly prominent ecological and environmental problems in the Qilian Mountains, China. In the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve, there have been widespread violations of laws and regulations, such as mining, unauthorized construction of hydropower stations, and unregulated operation of tourism facilities. There is an urgent need to rectify the environmental problems in the Qilian Mountains to achieve sustainable development. This study aimed to (1) systematically explain and evaluate the negative impact of human activities on the environment of the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve; and (2) discuss the major measures taken and the positive impact of those measures; (3) systematically summarizes the Qilian mountain experience from "seriously damaged" to "well-governed". With the goal of sustainable development in mind, the government has implemented several policies, at a total cost of 10.71 billion yuan. Around 3749 buildings were removed from mines, hydropower stations and tourism facilities, and 208 farmers and herdsmen in the core area of the Reserve were resettled. Approximately 17.21 × 104 m of enclosure fence was erected and 228.52 ha of grassland was revegetated. Grazing was prohibited on 6.37 × 109 m2 of grassland and 3.06 × 104 cattle were sold or transferred outside the Reserve for breeding. From 2010 to 2015, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) increased by 0.01, while from 2015 to 2019 the EVI increased by 0.03. The successful experience in the Qilian Mountains can be summarized in three points: (1) a favorable political climate, which enabled a series of relevant policies, ample funding and scientific and effective governance measures; (2) a favorable natural environment, with a warm and humid climate; and (3) a united approach, with the cooperation of locals and government departments in China. • To quantify the negative impact of human activities on the ecological environment. • To evaluate the management effectiveness of ecological rectification. • Experience in Qilian Mountains: favorable political, geographical advantages and united approach. • We put forward the new novel ideas and new patterns for ecological protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]