Alashan Desert

The Alashan Desert, also referred to as the Alxa Desert, is an expansive arid plateau located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. It stretches across the western part of Inner Mongolia, bordering the Yellow River to the east. It acts as a massive geographical basin in the region.

The Alashan functions as a broad basin that encompasses several distinct and massive sub-regions. Its most famous subsections include the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert. These sub-regions are geographically connected by sweeping fields of sand dunes.

Yes, the sub-regions of the Alashan Desert, particularly the Badain Jaran area, are famous for containing some of the world's tallest stationary sand dunes. Surprisingly, the desert also features numerous permanent spring-fed lakes nestled between these massive dunes. These features make it a globally unique geological anomaly.

While often associated with the broader Gobi region, the Alashan Desert is technically considered a distinct geographical steppe and desert basin in China. However, it forms a crucial, arid corridor that connects the main Mongolian Gobi to the north with the Chinese deserts to the south. It is occasionally referred to as the Alashan section of the Gobi.