Introduction to Alxa Desert Global Geopark
The Alxa Desert Global Geopark is the only Global geopark of this kind in China，which systematically and completely shows various wind process and its geoheritage types. This geopark covers an area of 630.37 km2, which is composed of three sub-parks —Badain Jaran, Juyan and Tengger Sub-parks, with a total of 10 scenic areas.
The Baddain Jaran Sub-park is dominated by high sand hills (megadunes), singing sands, lakes in desert and wind eroded landforms This sub-park is composed of four scenic areas—the Badain Jaran Desert, Mt. Mandela Rock Paintings, Eribugai Valley and Haisenchulu Wind Eroded Landform Scenic Areas. The Tengger Sub-park is characterized by the various sand dunes, lakes in desert and valley landscapes, including three scenic areas—the Moon Lake, Tonghu Lake and Alunbulage Valley Scenic Areas. The Juyan Sub-park is featured by the Gobi landscapes, primary Populus diversifolia Forest and ruins of ancient cities, including three scenic areas—TheJuyan Lake, the Populus diversifolia Forest and the Black City Ruin Scenic Areas.
Being with abundant geoheritage types, amazing natural beauties and unique profound cultural history, the geopark is a natural museum to study the origin, development and evolution of deserts, and furthermore, it is a textbook to environmental conservation.
