In the popular imagination, deserts are often perceived as dry, barren, desolate, and monotonous. Unlike forests, grasslands, or snowy landscapes where the scenery changes with every step, deserts are thought to offer little variety.
However, when you board an off-road vehicle and drive into the Badain Jaran Desert, you’ll be amazed at how it redefines the concept of a desert. This place boasts an extraordinary geological state, teeming with life. It features melodious lakes, vibrant reeds, ancient temples echoing with morning and evening bells, and even endless sand dunes that exude grandeur.
Setting off from Badain Jaran Town, you’ll venture into the “heart of the desert” to explore the desert’s thousand lakes, an area never before accessed by tourist organizations. You’ll encounter 6-10 pristine and stunningly beautiful lakes, experience the dual-colored rose salt lake described by China National Geographic, climb Bilutu Peak – the world’s highest desert peak, and reach an ancient desert temple that seems forgotten by time.
You can ride camels to wander through the vast desert, hike up the “desert Everest,” and capture the pink dreamscape with your camera.
Hop into a rugged 4×4 off-road vehicle for an exhilarating plunge down numerous sand dunes. Without exaggeration, this nearly 300-kilometer route is China’s best desert off-road experience.
This adventure offers more than just classic desert off-roading and sand dune hiking. You’ll also witness unique sights like the dual-colored salt lake and the red Dagetu Lake, enjoy a Mongolian-style afternoon tea, participate in a starlit BBQ, watch the desert winds sculpt the clouds, and listen to the tinkling of camel bells amidst the singing sands.
This is the magic of the Badain Jaran Desert, offering an ultimate desert experience like no other.
The Badain Jaran Desert
Located in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on the southwestern edge of the Inner Mongolian Plateau, the Badain Jaran Desert spans across Ejin Banner and Alxa Right Banner. It covers a total area of 49,200 square kilometers, with 35,000 square kilometers within the Right Banner. Stretching 270 kilometers from east to west and 240 kilometers from north to south, it is the world’s third-largest desert and China’s second-largest.
While it embodies “dark” elements such as scorching sun, extreme heat, drought, sandstorms, fierce winds, and death, it has been named “China’s Most Beautiful Desert” by National Geographic magazine due to its “godly curves reminiscent of the world’s end.” In 2006, it was also selected as one of the “50 Places in China Most Worth Visiting for Foreigners,” winning a gold award. The National Tourism Administration and China Scientific Exploration Association jointly recommended it as one of the first 17 most representative adventure tourism areas in China, captivating countless outdoor enthusiasts.
Within the Badain Jaran Desert, sand mountains, sand dunes, wind-eroded depressions, eroded hills, and lake basins are interspersed, with mobile dunes dominating approximately 83% of the total desert area. The area of flowing sand is second only to the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang.
The desert’s altitude ranges from 1,100 to 1,800 meters, with dense, tall sand mountains in the center typically reaching 200-300 meters in height. Sand ravines, sand cliffs, and sand peaks are ubiquitous, creating a magnificent spectacle. The desert is primarily characterized by composite sand mountains aligned in a north 30°-40° east direction, a result of the strong influence of northwestern winds.
The Badain Jaran Desert is renowned for its “five wonders”: unique peaks, singing sands, lakes, mystical springs, and temples. In the heart of the desert, enormous composite sand dunes are arranged in regular patterns, stretching endlessly.
The undulating sand waves resemble giant swells, creating a spectacularly impressive sight. The dune crests are winding and sharp like knife edges, with crisscrossing ravines and steep sand walls. The highest sand peak, Bilutu Peak, stands at 1,609 meters above sea level with a relative height of nearly 500 meters, earning it the title of “Everest of the Desert World.”
The Badain Jaran Desert boasts the world’s largest singing sand area. The central region is composed of singing sand mountains with relative heights of 200-500 meters. Many of these dunes can produce sound with the wind, leading to the desert’s nickname as the “World Kingdom of Singing Sands.” As sand grains roll down the somewhat steep dunes of varying heights, they generate a tremendous sound. From a distance, this sound resembles booming thunder, earth-shaking, deep, and far-reaching.
For outdoor travel enthusiasts, its allure extends far beyond these features.
The Badain Jaran Desert is dotted with 114 lakes, 74 of which contain water year-round, including 12 freshwater lakes. The total water surface area is 49,000 mu (about 3,267 hectares), with the deepest lake reaching over six meters. Some freshwater lakes even have fish visible in their shallow waters, an unexpected sight in a desert environment. These lakes are primarily blue and white, with pink lakes being extremely rare – only two or three exist, hidden deep within the Badain Jaran Desert.
While deserts are often called “forbidden zones of life,” the extremely arid Badain Jaran Desert presents the miraculous coexistence of sand mountains and lakes! Towering sand mountains, mysterious singing sands, and breathtakingly beautiful lakes hidden in the desert’s depths, along with wetlands, form the Badain Jaran Desert’s unique and captivating landscape. This has become the source of people’s yearning to traverse the Badain Jaran.
Regarding the origin of the name “Badain Jaran,” there are several theories:
- One suggests that “Badain” evolved from “Badai,” a Mongolian place name, while “Jaran” evolved from “Jijrang,” a Tibetan word meaning “hell.”
- Another theory posits that “Badain Jaran” is Mongolian, with “Badain” again evolving from “Badai,” a person’s name. “Jaran” is a numeral meaning sixty, referring to the initial discovery of sixty lakes in this vast desert.
- A third theory claims the name’s origin is recorded in the 13th volume of the Kangyur (Tibetan Buddhist Canon), translated from ancient Sanskrit. However, this claim requires further investigation due to a lack of detailed research.
Satellite images of the Badain Jaran Desert reveal numerous “black holes” among the undulating sand mountains. These are the many lakes hidden deep in the desert, locally known as “haizi.” This phenomenon is extraordinary considering the Badain Jaran’s annual rainfall of only 40mm.
According to Professor Chen Jiansheng, director of the Hydrology Research Institute at Hohai University, the annual groundwater recharge in the Badain Jaran Desert reaches 500 million cubic meters. The mystery of why these desert lakes never dry up despite such massive evaporation remains largely unsolved. The source of the desert’s groundwater is debated among Chinese and international scientists.
Some suggest the Badain Jaran’s groundwater comes from the Qilian Mountains through underground canyons, while others propose it originates from the Yarlung Tsangpo River. No definitive conclusion has been reached. However, the abundant groundwater and towering, precipitous sand mountains strongly indicate the presence of a massive underground water source sustaining this vast desert.
These lakes come in various colors: pink, blue, green, yellow, purple, white, and more. These unusual colors are said to be determined by the trace elements in the lake water. For instance, pink water contains high potassium ion levels, while green water has higher magnesium ion content. Some of these lakes are unnamed and cannot be found on maps; only local native drivers can locate them.
Dagetu
Dagetu, the most popular pink lake in the Badain Jaran Desert, changes in color intensity and water volume throughout the year. May marks the beginning of its prime viewing period.
The pink lake shimmers with enchanting colors, resembling an “eye of the desert.” Amidst the vast 49,200 square kilometers of sandy sea and rugged landscape, it suddenly reveals a touch of playfulness.
Viewed from above or captured by drone, internet users have humorously described it: “From afar, it looks like marbled pork; up close, it resembles watermelon juice.” What do you think?
Zhunjigede
Zhunjigede is one of the most magical lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert. Due to the concentration of salt and alkaline minerals in the lake, water volume, and temperature, the southern part of the lake is pink while the northern part is blue. Locals refer to it as the “Dual-color Lake.”
The lake’s purple and blue hues coexist, with birds flying over the surface, resembling a colorful painter’s palette.
Dabusutu
Dabusutu, also known as the Jade Lake, is a popular destination among internet celebrities.
Tamayin
Tamayin is a Mongolian word meaning “hell,” which extends to meanings of “pain, suffering, torment, and inferno.” Legend has it that long ago, when the evil minister of the Wuerzhang Kingdom ruled this land, all criminals were sent here for imprisonment, and most were tortured to death. Even after the Wuerzhang Kingdom became a sea of sand, this place was still filled with painful moans and was likened to “hell on earth” by the people, hence its name.
Zhongnoertu
As the off-road vehicle roars like a wild ox to the top of a sand dune, a sudden brightness appears before your eyes, and the view becomes expansive. Looking down at the distant foot of the mountain, you’ll see a sapphire-like mirror embedded in the waves of yellow sand. This is Zhongnoertu, the largest lake in the heart of the Badain Jaran Desert.
Located in the western part of Badain Jaran, Zhongnoertu is a uniquely charming lake. It is said to be the only yang spring among the many lakes in Badain Jaran. While most known lakes in the area have spring eyes on their southern sides, Zhongnoertu’s is on the north.
It lies there quietly like a lake basin, with a relatively flat open area to the south. On the east, north, and west sides, sand dunes over 300 meters high embrace the large lake, which has a water surface of 600 square meters. The blue sky, sand dunes, lake water, poplar trees, and reed grass form a unique landscape, earning it the nickname “Jiangnan of the Desert.”
Fairy Lake
Climbing to the top of the beautifully contoured Fairy Peak, the scene before you is breathtaking enough to leave you speechless at first, followed by exclamations and jumps of joy. Sitting on Fairy Peak and quietly appreciating the view, the Suminjilin Lake in the embrace of the golden desert looks like a beautiful young woman lying on her side. The blue sky, white clouds, golden sand, lake, water birds, reeds, sacred springs, and temples complement and blend with each other, making it hard to tell if they are in heaven or on earth.
In the distance, smoke rises from yurts, and herds of cattle, sheep, and camels graze and rest leisurely on the lush meadows, presenting a scene of pure pastoral natural ecology.
Celigeri
Viewed from above, Celigeri Lake looks like a huge mirror set in the round and charming sand vortex. The deep, calm surface of the lake is both round and bright, with layers of golden waves shimmering on it.
Barunyikeri
Xianggenjiling
Badan Lake
At the end of the journey, we arrive at Badan Lake, located at the southernmost edge of the Badain Jaran Desert. It serves as the main base of the Badain Jaran scenic area.
Badan Lake consists of 13 lakes of varying sizes and is the largest freshwater lake in the entire desert, with a total water area of 138 mu (about 9.2 hectares). The highest sand dune here reaches an altitude of 1,538 meters. Here you can find towering golden sand mountains, deep and clear azure skies, dreamlike lake reflections, and honest, simple desert camels. The lakeside is filled with reeds and lush grass, wildflowers compete in beauty, the lake ripples with clear water, water birds frolic, and fish and shrimp swim freely.
In the eyes of the locals, the water of Badan Lake is sacred and should not be desecrated. Therefore, visitors must never throw garbage or dirty objects into the lake, and especially should not wash their feet in it.
We will spend one night at Badan Lake. At dawn, you can stand on the mist-covered boardwalk, take a deep breath of the moist, fresh air, and gaze into the distance. You may feel as if you’re in a hazy and mysterious poetic scene, reminiscent of the ancient Chinese poem: “Reeds and rushes are abundant, and white dew turns to frost. The one I love is on the other side of the water.”
On one side of Badan Lake stands a giant sand sculpture of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol nation who holds an exalted and supreme position in the hearts of the Mongolian people. Standing before this magnificent sand sculpture, you can close your eyes and imagine how this great leader of the Mongol Empire led his vast army across battlefields. Can you envision the grand scene of armored horses galloping across the desert?
Bilutu Sand Peak – The Everest of the Desert
Next to Yinderite Lake stands Bilutu Peak, known as the “Everest of the Desert.” With an altitude of 1,611.009 meters and a relative height of nearly 500 meters, Bilutu Peak is the world’s highest sand dune, earning it the nickname “Desert Mount Everest.”
This is one of the world’s premier golden scenic spots and an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and climbers visiting the Badain Jaran Desert. On September 23, 2009, local motorcyclist Tao Yongming successfully reached the summit of Bilutu Peak in 6 minutes and 2 seconds after three attempts. To this day, Tao Yongming’s record remains unbroken.
Our convoy will stop halfway, and we’ll climb the sand-covered Bilutu Peak on foot. As the sun sets, we’ll capture the changing light and shadows on the ridges and valleys, experiencing firsthand why Badain Jaran is known for its “God-drawn curves.”
The sand is soft, and each step sinks. We’ll climb the long sand slope, cross several large sand pits, and ascend the steep sandy ridge to reach the summit of Bilutu Peak.
Looking out from the top, you’ll see endless sand mountains stretching to the horizon. Six crystal-clear lakes – Nanhai, Miaohai, Xiaohai, Yinderite, Qinghai, and Bilutu – appear like stars scattered among the sand dunes, creating a dreamlike, ethereal landscape.
Perhaps only standing here can one truly appreciate the charm of the Badain Jaran Desert. The coexistence of mountains in the desert is already unusual, but the juxtaposition of yellow sand and clear water, two seemingly incompatible elements, creates a perfect legend through nature’s miraculous work.
Suminjilin Badain Jaran Temple
“Sumin” means “temple” in Mongolian, and “jilin” means “lake,” so Suminjilin means “lake with a temple,” also known as “Temple Lake” or Badain Jaran Temple. As seen in the image, it resembles a beautiful young woman lying on her side.
The Badain Jaran Temple was built in the 20th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign during the Qing Dynasty. With over 200 years of history, it is a landmark of the Badain Jaran Desert and a sacred place in the hearts of local herdsmen. The temple was built by Kangbu Mani Lama, one of the seven living Buddhas of Alxa, who was carrying a statue of Macheni Buddha when passing through Badain Jaran. It is one of the best-preserved temples with distinct ethnic cultural characteristics in the region and the only fully preserved temple in the heart of a desert worldwide.
This white-walled, golden-roofed building combines Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Backed by sand dunes and facing the lake, it stands solemn and dignified, quietly nestled in the serene desert, detached from worldly affairs and devoted to meditation.
Looking out, you’ll see the shimmering Temple Lake lying quietly in the valley, with earth-colored houses scattered along the lakeshore. The white walls of the Badain Jaran Temple stand out prominently among the swaying tree shadows by the lake. This Gelug school Lama temple, the only preserved temple in the desert, is known as the “Desert Forbidden City.”
Yinderite – The Desert’s Divine Spring
Yinderite Lake is one of the largest water bodies in the Badain Jaran Desert, covering a total area of 1,579 mu (approximately 105 hectares). The lake’s shape resembles a loving mother cradling her infant. Surprisingly, while the lake water is saline, there is a black reef-like formation, no larger than 3 square meters and covered with reeds, that contains 108 spring eyes. These springs cascade down, producing clear, transparent, and sweet freshwater.
Legend has it that the water from these divine springs possesses miraculous health-promoting and healing properties.
In the past, several generations of Alxa princes would travel long distances by camel to drink this water, earning it the title of “divine spring.” Without boats or other means, people couldn’t easily approach the spring. They would improvise rafts by tying three or four long rafters together, with two people slowly paddling to the spring’s edge using thin, long rafters.
They would collect water in enamel mugs and transfer it to water containers they had brought, repeating this process multiple times. German experts have analyzed the spring water and confirmed that it contains more than ten trace elements beneficial to human health. Drinking this water is said to invigorate the mind and body, treat various ailments, and promote longevity when consumed regularly.
Yinderite, embraced by golden sand mountains, exudes a grand beauty. The lake surface is mirror-like, with winding sandbanks extending into the heart of the lake. Oleaster trees, tamarisks, reeds, and red algae surround the vast water surface. Gentle breezes caress the green shadows, creating ripples on the water, evoking a sense of tranquility and joy. A flock of white swans frolics along the lakeshore, their pristine wings rising and falling, creating a striking spectacle.
This lake serves as a stopover for swans during their southward migration. Every year during this season, swans spend about 20 days at the lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert.
The black mud in the Divine Spring Lake is a natural face mask. Rich in minerals that can be directly absorbed by the skin, it contains natural vitamin E and amino acids that nourish and moisturize the skin while enhancing its water retention capability.
The sand by the lake is also believed to have therapeutic properties. On scorching summer days, burying one’s body in the desert sand, leaving only the neck and head exposed, is said to treat rheumatism and joint pain. Visitors are welcome to experience applying the black mud to their faces and enjoying a desert bath by burying themselves in the hot sand.
Pingshan Grand Canyon – A Geological History Textbook
A deep, seemingly bottomless canyon displays remarkable grandeur and magnificence. Entering the maze-like canyon and finding oneself amidst the intricate network of gullies and clustered peaks feels like witnessing a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship, leaving visitors in awe.
The canyon is characterized by water-carved gullies, with low and gentle mountain slopes. Set against a backdrop of sandy mountains, the formations are often conical or columnar in shape, creating unique and striking silhouettes. From the canyon floor to the top, rock layers from various geological periods – from the Cambrian to the Cenozoic – are clearly visible, each with distinct colors. These layers contain representative biological fossils from different geological eras, earning the canyon the nickname “Living Geological History Textbook.”
