In the heart of Alxa Right Banner, Inner Mongolia, lies the UNESCO-listed Badain Jaran Desert—home to some of the world’s most spectacular sand dunes and a stunning network of lakes.
As the third largest desert in China, the Badain Jaran Desert is renowned for its unique landscape, characterized by colossal mega-dunes that soar into the sky, intersected by serene inter-dunal lakes. The tallest of these dunes, known as Bilutu, stands at a staggering 1,611 meters above sea level, with a relative height of 460 meters, making it the tallest stabilized sand dune on the planet.
From the peak of Bilutu, seven lakes come into view, their diverse hues reflecting the sun’s rays. These lakes, mostly saline, are teeming with life, providing a thriving habitat for worms, mollusks, crustaceans, and certain species of fish. Researchers have discovered that the mega-dunes and lakes form a dynamic constellation, with 144 lakes identified in the desert area, 12 of which are freshwater.
Despite the harsh desert environment, the Badain Jaran Desert supports a surprising variety of plant and animal life. The availability of multiple freshwater sources allows for the thriving of species such as argali sheep, camels, foxes, and eagles. Local nomads and the government have undertaken significant efforts to restore the lakes and surrounding grasslands, fostering a delicate balance between nature and human activity.
On July 26 this year, the Badain Jaran Desert was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India. This recognition underscores the desert’s exceptional natural beauty and geological significance, highlighting its value not only to China but to the world.
The Badain Jaran Desert remains a mesmerizing destination for travelers and researchers alike, offering a glimpse into a landscape where towering dunes meet shimmering lakes—a testament to the remarkable diversity of Inner Mongolia’s natural heritage.
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The lakes and dunes of the UNESCO-listed Badain Jaran Desert
cgtn.com
