The objectives of this study were to further understand the application of Tamarix chinensis Lour. in the restoration of riparian ecology, and screen plant materials suitable for the riparian ecological restoration in the northwestern areas of China. A section of bare bank slope of Huangshui River between Haihu Bridge and Xinning Bridge of Xining City was chosen as study area. According to the situation of splash erosion, surface erosion and gully erosion in this area, live branch cuttings of T. chinensis were applied for close-to-nature restoration of bare slope. The survival rate, coverage and growth conditions of T. chinensis 6 months, 15 months and 51 months after application were investigated, and the ambient micro-climate and biodiversity were monitored. The results showed that growth of T. chinensis 51 months after application reached a high level with the survival rate and coverage of 88% and 100% , and the average basal diameter and average plant height reached 3.19 cm and 348.9 cm, respectively. Thanks to immobilization of T. chinensis roots to slope soils, and ambient vegetation recovered rapidly, and biodiversity increased significantly. The surrounding micro-climate was improved: the temperature of the test area was 63.4% lower and air humidity 62.8% higher than that of surrounding bare land. Some problems in the application of T. chinensis in river bank restoration are summarized and some recommendations made.