Majestic sand dunes of Badanjilin Desert, wondrous wind-eroded gorges in Aolunbulage Town, crystalline Juyan Lake, and never-dying diversiform-leaved poplars — these compose the fascinating landscapes of the Alashan Desert in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Humans have moved to protect and utilize these precious natural structures by designating a large swath as a multi-purpose national geopark.

The establishment of this geopark has to some extent taken advantage of the “favorable side” of the desert. The geological relics will thus be utilized in a sustainable way without any change in original appearance and characteristics, and here nature isleft to nature. The geopark will not only offer a venue for scientific research, but will also advance local modes of production and resource utilization. Another expected byproduct is the ushering in of opportunities for the development of local tourism.

Tenggelidalai, a paradise in the heart of the desert. (Image: China Pictorial/Lei Yongsheng)China now has 138 national geoparks, and of these Alashan is China’s first, and the world’s third, to be devoted to a desert environment. In accordance with the type and distribution of landscape resources, the Alashan National Geopark, with a designed area of 940 square kilometers, is divided into three parks (Badanjilin, Tenggeli, and Juyanhai) and 11 scenic zones.

The Badanjilin Park, based in Right Alashan Banner, encompasses four scenic zones in an area of more than 424 square kilometers: Badanjilin Desert, Mandela Cliff Painting, Hongdunzi Gorge, and Haisenchulu Wind-Eroded Landscape. It mainly serves as a base for scientific exploration, ecological sightseeing, and other eco-friendly tourism.

The Tenggeli Park, situated in Principal Alashan Banner, spans an area of 347 square kilometers and comprises Tenggeli Desert, Jilantai Salt Lake, and Aolunbulage Gorge. This officially-protected collection of natural resources is mainly utilized by humans for scientific investigation and tourism.

Spanning an area of 166.57 square kilometers in Ejina Banner, the Juyanhai Park comprises four scenic zones: Juyanhai Lake, Black City Ruins, Woods of Diversiform- Leaved Poplars, and Paleo-Fossils in Mazong Mountain. In addition to ecological sightseeing and science education, this park also offers tourist activities featuring Juyan Culture and Turhut Culture.

A desert lake, in a shape quite similar to the territory of China. (Image: China Pictorial/Lei Yongsheng)The Alashan National Geopark is unparalleled in the world in three aspects: Firstly, its Badanjilin Desert is scattered with large sand dunes, which in average rise 200 to 300 meters in elevation, the highest reaching 500 meters and known as the “Qomolangma in Desert.” Secondly, the park is home to the world’s largest desert lake complex. In the peripheral area of Nurtu Lake, for example, there are a total of 144 lakes, including tree and grass-lined freshwater lakes, and shrub and thorn-rimmed salt lakes — upon which even a non-swimmer would find it a chore to sink. And, thirdly, it is also in this desert area that the world’s largest sand-singing hill is situated. Sliding like a child from the top of the hill, on the way down one may be treated to a sonorous song as sung by the shifting silicon sand.