Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran is a desert spanning parts of Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia, featuring over one hundred spring-fed lakes nestled between vast sand dunes. The combination of water sources and towering dunes creates a striking contrast within the arid landscape.

The desert region served as a crucial passage along the ancient Silk Road, where merchants established trade pathways through the dunes and lakes. These routes connected different regions for centuries.

The name Badain Jaran comes from Mongolian language and means mysterious lakes, reflecting how local people have traditionally understood these hidden water sources in an arid landscape. The lakes remain important gathering places for communities traveling through the region.

Exploring the desert requires specialized vehicles and experienced guides to safely navigate the dunes and lakes. The town of Alxa Left Banner serves as the main base for planning visits to the area.

The desert contains some of the world's tallest stationary sand dunes, with Bilutu Peak reaching about 450 meters (1,475 ft). These massive sand mountains rise remarkably high in an otherwise expansive landscape.