Safeguard legacy of Badain Jaran Desert: A new world heritage wonder

The Badain Jaran Desert in Alshaa League, Inner Mongolia. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

The Badain Jaran Desert: Towers of Sand and Lakes, located on the Alshaa Plateau in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has recently been inscribed on the World Heritage List, marking Inner Mongolia's first World Natural Heritage site.

On July 26, the site was recognized globally, highlighting the significance of preserving its natural beauty. As the third-largest desert in China, it plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable development of the region's delicate ecosystem.

As part of the 2024 "Discovery Plan", 102 students and faculty members from 18 universities, including Lanzhou University and Hong Kong Baptist University, participated in a joint field study, exploring the desert's unique geomorphology, soil, vegetation, climate, and hydrology.

The World Heritage application process for this desert spanned seven years, reflecting China's dedication to natural heritage protection and the international community's recognition of its value. The heritage site covers  1.62 million hectares, including towering dunes and inter-dune lakes as part of the region's extraordinary landscapes.