Deserts: Inner Mongolia's Second Impression

If grasslands are Inner Mongolia's first impression, then deserts are its second. For hundreds of years, the Mongolian Plateau has experienced rapid ecological changes. As people moved in, the desert retreated, turning the desert's edge into an oasis. However, some pastures have degraded and been replaced by sand. In Inner Mongolia, desert landscapes are not only found in deserts, but also in sandy areas and Gobi deserts, such as the Horqin Sandy Land in Tongliao and the Hunshandake Sandy Land in Xilingol, which is known as the most beautiful sandy land in China. The Badain Jaran Desert in Alxa is famous for its tall sand dunes, including the world's tallest sand dune, Bilutu Peak. This desert, which almost became a World Heritage Site, is the second largest desert in China and is anything but monotonous. In addition to the popular Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Desert Geopark in the north, the desert also has the world's tallest singing sand area, Baoritaolegai, the mysterious lake, Yinderitu Shenquan, the lake with a depth of over 25 meters, Nuortu Lake, the freshwater lake with complete recreational facilities, Badain Lake, and the desert palace, Sumin Jilin. The Tengger Desert, located between Gansu and Ningxia, is also in Alxa League. The Alxa Hero Festival has turned this desert, which has the most lakes in China, into a paradise for off-road enthusiasts. Swan Lake and Moon Lake are two highlights among the many lakes in the Tengger Desert. The Kubuqi Desert in northern Ordos is small in size but offers the most fun. The northeast has desert scenic spots such as Xiangshawan and Yinken Tala, while the northwest has Qixing Lake, Shenguang Xiangsha, and Yemingsha. Among them, the national 5A scenic spot, Xiangshawan, has the most complete recreational facilities and is more suitable for family trips.