The Badain Jaran Desert, a breathtaking expanse in northwestern China, is rapidly transforming into a major attraction within the country’s tourism landscape. Renowned for its towering sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes, and unique geological formations, this desert offers an unparalleled adventure that captures the imagination of travelers. Its remarkable features, from the world’s tallest sand dunes to the mysterious singing sands, draw visitors eager to experience its natural beauty and serenity.
Located on the Alashan Plateau in a hyper-arid and temperate desert region, the Badain Jaran Desert is a meeting point for three sandy regions of China. It is the country’s third largest desert and its second largest drifting desert. The property stands out with its high density of mega-dunes, intersected by inter-dunal lakes. It showcases spectacular geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms, arguably unparalleled. Noteworthy features include the world’s tallest, stabilized sand mega-dune (with a relative relief of 460 m), the highest concentration of inter-dunal lakes, and the largest expanse of so-called singing sands (created by wind moving dry and loose sand) and wind-eroded landforms.
This varied landscape also results in a high level of habitat diversity and, subsequently, biodiversity. The desert’s significance is not lost on international travelers. In the first half of 2024, China welcomed around 29.2 million international visitors, reflecting a remarkable 150% increase from the same period in 2023. However, this figure remains about 30% of the pre-pandemic levels observed in 2019, when nearly 98 million foreign tourists visited. A significant number of these travelers explored the Badain Jaran Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism thrives, with approximately 1.3 billion domestic trips recorded in the second quarter of 2024, showing a nearly 12% increase from the previous year.
The Badain Jaran Desert holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for various ethnic groups and communities. Revered by Mongolians and Tibetans as a sacred place, it is believed to embody spiritual energy and power. The desert features sacred mountains, lakes, and temples, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Taoist followers. Mongolian folklore also highlights the desert, with legends of mythical creatures, heroic figures, and ancestral spirits.
Nomadic tribes have long inhabited the desert, developing unique cultures and practices that align with its harsh environment. Additionally, the desert’s rich archaeological sites provide valuable insights into the region’s historical and cultural evolution.
The Badain Jaran Desert, with its towering sand dunes, picturesque lakes, and unique geological formations, exemplifies the awe-inspiring natural beauty that contributes to China’s diverse tourism appeal. As one of the country’s most striking deserts, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into a mesmerizing landscape that contrasts with China’s bustling cities and historical landmarks. This desert not only enriches China’s cultural and environmental tapestry but also plays a vital role in attracting travelers seeking extraordinary experiences. Its combination of dramatic scenery and cultural significance highlights China’s ability to captivate and engage tourists with its vast array of attractions, from the serene desert expanses to the vibrant urban centers.
