The Badain Jaren Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠) is located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, China, at the base of the Yiner Basin, covering an area of 47,000 square kilometers. It is the third-largest desert in China. The desert is known for its unique landscapes, including Badain Lake, the Badain Jilin Temple, and the towering Bilutu Sand Dune. The area is home to diverse plant species such as saxaul, tamarisk, and populus euphratica, as well as wildlife like swans, wild ducks, argali sheep, and foxes.
One of the desert’s most remarkable features is its 144 lakes, 12 of which are freshwater, earning it the nickname “Desert of a Thousand Lakes.” The largest of these, Nuoertu Lake, spans 2205 mu and reaches a depth of 28 meters. In 2006, Badain Jaren Desert was selected as one of the “Top 50 Places in China Most Worth Visiting for Foreigners” and won a gold award. It was also recognized by China’s National Tourism Administration and the China Exploration Association as one of the 17 most representative adventure tourism destinations in the country.
The best time to visit the Badain Jaren Desert for tourism is from June to October, with September to October being ideal for desert trekking adventures. In August and September, the Badain Jaren Desert hosts its annual Cultural Tourism Festival, featuring traditional Mongolian sports such as horse racing, camel racing, and sand dune climbing.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Badain Jaren Desert
- Vlog about Badain Jaren Desert
- Other Attractions in Alxa League
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0483-6026555 |
Location and Transportation
The Badain Jaren Desert is located in Alxa Right Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia, near Badain Jilin Town. To reach the desert, visitors typically first travel to major cities such as Lanzhou or Jinchang in Gansu Province, or Alxa Left Banner in Inner Mongolia. From there, they can take a long-distance bus to Badain Jilin Town or Yabrai Town. For convenience, travelers may also hire a car. Once in town, the desert adventure begins.
Highlights of Badain Jaren Desert
Badain Lake
Badain Lake is located on the southern edge of the Badain Jaren Desert, around 90 kilometers from Ejin Banner town. It serves as the gateway to the desert and is one of the rare freshwater lakes in this region, as most lakes within the desert are salty. The lake is surrounded by lush trees and reeds on its southern shore, while a towering sand dune, known as the Singing Sand Mountain, rises over 200 meters to the north. Sliding down this dune creates a thunderous roaring sound. To the east, a wooden bridge stretches out into the lake. Interestingly, Badain Lake is part of a group of lakes where some are freshwater, while others are salty, with only a sand dune separating them. In some cases, even within the same lake, half is freshwater and half is salty.
Bilutu Sand Dune
Bilutu is a remarkable peak within the Badain Jaren Desert, standing over 500 meters tall, making it 70 meters higher than the tallest dunes in the Sahara. It is recognized as the highest sand dune in the world and is often referred to as the “Mount Everest of the Desert.” The peak runs in a north-south direction, with a knife-edge crest, allowing only single-file ascent by climbers. According to GPS measurements, its elevation is 1,563 meters, with a steep slope of approximately 70 degrees.
Badain Jilin Temple
Also known as Sumin Jilin, “Sumin” means “temple” in Mongolian, and “Jilin” refers to the lake. This area, often called “Temple Lake,” is the most populated part of the desert and the location of Badain Jilin Gacha village. The temple, built in 1755, is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist temple and one of the best-preserved in the region. Recently renovated, the temple blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles, with Han-style courtyard walls and gates surrounding a Tibetan-style main hall. New murals adorn the outer walls of the hall, reflecting its rich cultural history.
