On the edge of the desert, Damask roses are enjoying their only flowering season of the year. This precious variety, introduced via the Silk Road, has thrived for centuries in the arid lands near the Taklamakan Desert. They bloom at dawn and wither by dusk. Their fragrance is so intense it lingers on flower pickers' clothes for two days. Though Damask roses bloom only one month a year, one acre can yield over 8,000 yuan in value. These desert roses are more than just flowers, they represent the