Badain Jaran Desert: Towering sand dunes and hidden lakes

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A view of the Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /IC

Covering an area of around 49,200 square kilometers, the Badain Jaran Desert in Inner Mongolia is one of the most remarkable deserts in China and the world.

An aerial view of the world's tallest stationary sand dune, Bilutu, in the Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /IC

The desert is known for its unique and varied landscapes, including towering sand dunes. The tallest, called Bilutu, reaches a relative height of over 500 meters, making it the tallest stationary sand dune in the world.

An aerial view of a lake in the Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /IC

The Badain Jaran Desert is also notable for having more than 100 spring-fed lakes scattered among the dunes, with 12 of them being freshwater ones. These colorful lakes, some of which even have a rosy hue, provide striking views in the desert.

An aerial view of a pink lake in the Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /IC

The desert is home to a variety of plant species and wildlife, including swans, argali, and foxes. Efforts to restore local grasslands and afforest the desert have been made over the years to curb its expansion while protecting the plants and animals there.

A view of the Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /IC

China is now pursuing World Heritage status for the Badain Jaran Desert. The World Heritage Committee will consider the nomination during its July 21-31 session in New Delhi, India.