In the desert area in Hexi of Gansu, China, an accumulated sand-belt formed along the oasis edge, especially at the upwind places, during the process of desert control. The accumulated sand-belt took over 50 years to form and is a byproduct of combating desertification from afforestation and barriers-setting. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the accumulated sand-belts along the Hexi oasis edge as well as data from 21 samples to determine the ecological functions and significance of the accumulated sand-belts. The results showed that: 1) The accumulated sand-belt, as a byproduct of combating desertification along the oasis edge, has a function of blocking wind and sand. 2) Height is an important factor determining the wind-blocking function of an accumulated sand-belt. The taller and bigger the accumulated sand-belts are, the wider the scope of wind-blocking. 3) Currently, the accumulated sand-belt along the Hexi oasis edge is still in the developmental stage. As long as it is under control, the invasion of moving sands into nearby farmlands will be minimal. In the future, the emphasis of desert control should be focused on the accumulated sand-belts, especially on the sand ridgeline of the accumulated sand-belt. The desert-oasis ecotone (resistive sand-belt) should be fenced, without the need for other containment measures. In this way, areas for implementing artificial measures for desert control will be greatly decreased, which will be helpful in reducing the funds invested and in improving the investment returns in combating desertification.