Badain Jaran Temple, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Alxa Right Banner, China

Badain Jaran Temple is a Gelug school Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Sumin Jaran basin of the Badain Jaran Desert, Alxa Right Banner. Its scripture hall is a two-storey pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof, built on an L-shaped plan with corner towers, and a single scripture stupa stands beside it. The buildings cover just over 300 square metres and reflect adaptations to desert conditions.

The monastery was built in 1755 during the Qing Dynasty and remained protected from destruction due to its remote desert location. It later gained national heritage status and has preserved its original structure intact.

The monastery serves as a gathering place where nomadic herders practice and celebrate Buddhist traditions throughout the year. The buildings show how Chinese and Tibetan customs have merged in this remote location.

Reaching the temple requires four-wheel-drive vehicles and experienced guides to navigate the challenging desert terrain. The ideal visiting season is from late September through October, when temperatures moderate and conditions become more comfortable.

The temple stands by Sumin Jilin, a lake whose Mongolian name means "lake with a temple" and which is named after the monastery itself. The site lies deep in the Badain Jaran Desert, and in 2012 the monastery covered just over 300 square metres and housed eight lamas.