Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
Country
China
Inscribed in
2024
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Located in the Alashan Plateau in the hyper-arid and temperate desert region of northwestern China, the Badain Jaran Desert is a meeting point for three sandy regions of China and is the country’s third largest desert and second largest drifting desert. The property stands out with its high density of mega-dunes, intersected with inter-dunal lakes. It displays spectacular ongoing geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms which may well be unparalleled. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms.
Criterion
(vii)
The property’s aesthetic values are characterized by the dense distribution of stabilized and parallel to subparallel mega-dunes as well as by the associated unique collection of inter-dunal lakes with various salinities and colours, which are rich in desert fauna, flora, and microbial communities. The aesthetic appeal of the property also results from unusual vegetation on the dune surface in some places and a wide variety of desert landforms, such as smaller, crescent-shaped and pyramidal dunes and various types of soils under a hyper-arid, temperate climate (IUCN, 2024).
Dense assemblage of mega dunes and other dune types
Criterion
(viii)
The Badain Jaran Desert is a meeting point for three desert regions of China. It is the third largest desert and the second largest drifting desert in the country. The site displays spectacular ongoing geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms subject to a temperate, hyper-arid climate. There is a dense range of stabilized, linear, and parallel mega-dunes as well as various types of smaller dunes in-between the mega-dunes. It boasts the densest collection of stabilized mega-dunes globally, encompassing the tallest dunes in the world. The dune types found in the nominated property include barchans, barchanoid chains, mega-dunes, and star dunes. Noteworthy features include the world’s tallest, stabilised sand mega-dune (relative relief of 460 m), the largest expanse of so-called singing sands (describing the resonance caused e.g. by wind moving dry and loose sand), and wind-eroded landforms, among others (IUCN, 2024).
Abundance of interdunal lakes
Criterion
(viii)
The144 inter-dunal lakes are exceptional and contribute to the high degree of geodiversity and exhibit a unique surface process resulting from the following factors: tectonically induced basin topography; two-directional seasonal strong winds; high moisture contents in the vadose zone (i.e. the zone of underground water above the water table); and past climate change from humid to arid during the Holocene. There are both freshwater and saline lakes, which results in a wide range of lake biochemistry depending on the hydraulic setting of the region as well as from lake sediments (IUCN, 2024).
High biodiversity and special ecosystem of numerous interdunal lakes
The various conditions of the interdunal lakes with different salinities also give rise to important biodiversity values. Microbial communities are the reason for the unexpected colouring of the lake landscape, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the property. The property also overlaps with the former range of the Critically Endangered Wild Camel (Camelus ferus) and the Endangered Yellow River Frog (Pelophylax tenggerensis, 腾格里蛙) and Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). Further notable species include the Vulnerable Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) and Asian Houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii), as well as desert-adapted vegetation, rare and endemic plants (IUCN, 2024).
Local nomadic herders
Alxa, where the property is located, has a long history. Since ancient times, it has been a place where the northern minorities such as the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Dangxiang, the Uyghur, the Turkic, and the Mongolians have prospered. Farming practices had been carried out in the Alxa area early in the Han Dynasty. Mongolian people have lived on the grasslands for thousands of years. They are attached to the grasslands, practice pastoralism, and express their thoughts and emotions through folk songs, dance, matouqin (traditional musical instrument), wrestling, horse racing, camel racing, arche,ry and other cultural activities,
forming a strong national culture (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). The site is home to around 100 local nomadic herders with a traditional way of life. For example, Naadam, known as the "Three Manly Games," which features horse racing, archery, and wrestling, is held in Badain Jaran township yearly. The desert holds a special place in the hearts of the herders who inhabit, protect, and raise their animals in it. The inhabitants of Alshaa Right Banner have long relied on nomadic herding and have cultivated a distinctive culture in the desert. Virtually every haizi (lake) nestled in the Badain Jaran Desert serves as a home for herders who tend to camels and sheep.
forming a strong national culture (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). The site is home to around 100 local nomadic herders with a traditional way of life. For example, Naadam, known as the "Three Manly Games," which features horse racing, archery, and wrestling, is held in Badain Jaran township yearly. The desert holds a special place in the hearts of the herders who inhabit, protect, and raise their animals in it. The inhabitants of Alshaa Right Banner have long relied on nomadic herding and have cultivated a distinctive culture in the desert. Virtually every haizi (lake) nestled in the Badain Jaran Desert serves as a home for herders who tend to camels and sheep.
Assessment information
The site is currently subject to a low level of threat. Impacts of current use of the area are negligible as the livelihoods of herders are based on very limited traditional grazing. Currently there are no negative impacts from the limited number of touristic visitors on the site's heritage values.
Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Grazing pressure)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Small-scale herding occurs around some lakes near the dwelling sites of resident Mongolian herders. Although most of the area is in an uninhabited natural desert state, there are around 100 herders who follow their traditional livelihoods through grazing with camels, goats, and other livestock near some lakes on the property. Because the activities are minimal in scale, they do not appear to cause any severe impacts on the site's values. Water quality monitoring of some lakes has been carried out, but tracking all the lakes with current herding activities may be necessary. Grazing could affect the landscape and ecological system of lakes to a certain degree, however there is no evidence of any current negative impact (IUCN, 2024). The responsible management bureau has carried out measures such as recovering grassland from grazing, implementing the grassland ecological subsidy reward mechanism, and so on, and the traditional reliance on the daily livestock management mode has fundamentally changed. The ecological environment of the oases and grassland in the property and its surrounding areas has been gradually restored and improved (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019).
Recreational Activities
(Increased tourism pressure)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Only a small number of tourists visit the site and the buffer zone, including a small number of adventure hikers and tours by car. Due to extreme weather conditions, the shifting desert has a minimal tourist season, generally from June to October, with August and September being the best period. The degree and scale of the tourism activities are therefore very low in relation to the significant size of the site (IUCN, 2024). Nevertheless, there are indications that the number of tourists has increased, especially since the World Heritage inscription (e.g., China Daily, 2024) and the management plan highlights potential issues from increased tourism, like off-road driving and plastic pollution (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019).
Research on the inter-dunal lakes’ water sources will need to continue and potentially inform action to ensure adequate water supply under changing climatic conditions. In regard to the potential pollution from salt mining, the current legislation is sufficient to prevent any negative impacts on the site.
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Pollution run-off resulting from salt mining)
Outside site
The salinization of the lakes offers potential for salt mining, as evidenced by industrial facilities in Shugui and Yabrai Town. These areas have been excluded from the buffer zone and are monitored to ensure no pollution affects the property. The nomination dossier (State Party of China, 2019) reports that previous mineral exploration licenses overlapping with the property expired in 2019 and will not be renewed. As a result of the new regulations for ecological red lining (which provides an additional layer of protection to protected areas against potentially damaging developments), no mining or extraction licenses may be issued within the property or its buffer zone (IUCN, 2024).
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Diminishing water sources)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Research suggests that over the past 50 years, the average temperature in the property has been increasing significantly (Wang et al. 2021). This coincides with shrinking lakes in the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert. To maintain the integrity of the inter-dunal lakes with regard to criteria (vii) and (viii), a sufficient and clean water supply needs to be ensured in the long term, including in the broader area beyond the property and its buffer zone. Whilst direct precipitation appears to recharge groundwater resources effectively, more than 90% of recharge is dependent on groundwater sources and stable groundwater recharge is provided from the Heihe River via the Altyn Fault Belt and from the Tibetan Plateau via the Qilian Fault Belt and the Altyn Fault Belt as well as from other near-source recharge from the Beida and Yabrai Mountains (Jiang et al. 2021). Further research is needed to determine the proportions of the water stemming from these sources. Relatedly, a recent study suggested that groundwater recharge through precipitation has poor renewability, and that groundwater was stored in historic periods, fossil water of an age of thousands to tens of thousands of years. Therefore, groundwater should not be over-exploited. This can be ensured through the Regulations on the Protection and Management of Groundwater in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region issued in 2022. The Regulation limits groundwater withdrawal, amongst others, in areas where ecological damage occurred, where ecological damage may be caused, where withdrawals are close to the recoverable amount, and in protected areas, including geoparks. Therefore, although the site is currently subject to a low level of threat, research on the inter-dunal lakes’ water sources will need to continue and potentially inform action to ensure adequate water supply (IUCN, 2024).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The Alxa Right Banner Badain Jaran Desert Application Office engaged the local herders during the nomination process and continues to communicate with the approximately 100 herders following their traditional livelihoods (IUCN, 2024). The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People’s Government will establish a World Heritage Management Committee to lead on the protection and management of the site and buffer zone. The aim is to strengthen community participation, conduct trainings and promote heritage protection and nature conservation (IUCN, 2024). The few Mongolian herders living a traditional grazing life within the site boundaries are actively participating in protection, management, education and promotion of traditional cultures (State Party of China, 2019) and tourism is an important income source for local herders who are tourist guides and offer homestays (China Daily, 2024). According to the State Party of China, there is a multi-faceted cooperation mechanism between the government, scientific research institutions and the community (State Party of China, 2019). Traditional civil organizations participate in local community protection to represent the native Mongolian herders’ customs, culture, and religious beliefs (State Party of China, 2019). Additionally the management plan refers to the establishment of a fair and impartial hearing and feedback mechanism so that interests of local residents are integrated in decision-making processes. However, considering the prospect of the site receiving national park status, it is critical that meaningful engagement of traditional herders continues (IUCN, 2024).
Legal framework
The site includes 2 autonomous region-level nature reserves and 1 autonomous region-level scenic site (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). This is overlaid by additional protected status and regulations as a national and global geopark. The site is protected by national and local laws and regulations such as the Regulations on Scenic and Historic Areas, Regulations on Nature Reserve, Regulations of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Environmental Protection. Its legal status is clear and local regulations and a management plan have also been developed specifically for the site.
The People's Government of Alxa Right Banner issued the "Management Measures for the Protection and Utilization of the World Natural Heritage of Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group in Alxa Right Banner" on March 28, 2025, providing further legal guarantees for the protection and management of the heritage.
The People's Government of Alxa Right Banner issued the "Management Measures for the Protection and Utilization of the World Natural Heritage of Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group in Alxa Right Banner" on March 28, 2025, providing further legal guarantees for the protection and management of the heritage.
Governance arrangements
The property is managed by the local government with financial support of the central government. Day to day activities are supported by the traditional herders as mentioned above.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems appear to be well carried out. Various government departments were involved in the nomination process (including environmental protection, cultural tourism, legal system, water conservancy, meteorology) to ensure the integration into existing systems (National Forest and Grassland Administration, 2019).
Boundaries
Core and buffer zones of the property are well defined. According to the attributes, distribution and sensitivity of the protected objects, the management plan optimizes the protection, management and utilization of the site's landscapes, landforms and ecosystems through zoning, and establishes corresponding protection and management measures. The following zones have been defined in the site: construction-prohibited zone, constructuion-restricted zone and exhibition zone. The management plan stipulates that any construction should be for touristic facilities only and be in line with the protection of the landscape (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019).
Overlapping international designations
The property is a part of the UNESCO Alxa Global Geopark.
The Badain Jaran Desert Tourism Area Master Plan (Revised) 2017-2030 takes into account the zoning defined in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert National Geopark and in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert Global Geopark Badain Jaran Park Tourism (2010-2020).
The Badain Jaran Desert Tourism Area Master Plan (Revised) 2017-2030 takes into account the zoning defined in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert National Geopark and in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert Global Geopark Badain Jaran Park Tourism (2010-2020).
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
In Decision 46 COM 8B.2 the State Party was requested to include the property in a future national park and was also requested to submit a minor boundary modification request in case the national park boundaries could further enable the improvement of the property’s boundaries, however this has not happened yet. The State Party was also requested to ensure that the local communities, including traditional herders are fully consulted, involved and in agreement with this proposal, and to ensure that such a designation ensures that the herders are able to maintain and continue their traditional activities within the property (World Heritage Committee, 2024). As the property is newly inscribed, the implementation of the World Heritage Committee decisions still needs time.
The establishment of national parks in China is approved and managed by the state. According to the "Development Plan for the Protected Areas System of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (2024-2035)", Badain Jaran belongs to the second echelon of national park construction and is initially planned to be completed around 2030. As China's "protected areas system establishment" work progresses further, the construction of Badain Jaran National Park will be carried out gradually and orderly in the near future.
The establishment of national parks in China is approved and managed by the state. According to the "Development Plan for the Protected Areas System of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (2024-2035)", Badain Jaran belongs to the second echelon of national park construction and is initially planned to be completed around 2030. As China's "protected areas system establishment" work progresses further, the construction of Badain Jaran National Park will be carried out gradually and orderly in the near future.
Climate action
The site has been influenced under hyperarid climate past a few thousand years, and the impact of future climate cannot be assessed. However, the management plan details responsive management as appropriate including an increased exchange with domestic research institutes, to promote the routine monitoring of meteorological climate, hydrological environment, air quality (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). Overall the aim is to improve climate change monitoring and adaptive management to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on this site in the future (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Management plan and overall management system
The current management plan covers the period 2019-2035 and is sufficiently detailed to ensure effective management of the site and it's buffer zones, including clear roles and responsibilities and extensive monitoring protocols (National Forest and Grassland Administration, 2019). However, considering this long validity period, it will be important to ensure adaptive management to respond to potential changes in the conditions of the site e.g. increased tourism, climate change impacts by regular monitoring and adjustment of management measures. This is integrated in the management plan, however it remains to be seen to what extent this is implemented.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement has been very effective.
Sustainable finance
A sustainable finance plan was promised in 2023, and there are efforts to increase funding and staffing (IUCN Consultation, 2024). A total of 71 million Yuan (USD 9,808,391) was invested into the geological resource protection, landscape resource survey, scientific research, environmental remediation and infrastructure of the nominated property during the period of 13th Five-Year Plan (IUCN, 2024).
Although it is hard to obtain the specific amount of funds for heritage protection and management, from the perspective of new laws and regulations, it can be considered that after Badain Jaran became a World Heritage Site, the funds for heritage protection and management have been further guaranteed. The People's Government of Alxa Right Banner issued the "Management Measures for the Protection and Utilization of the World Natural Heritage of Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group in Alxa Right Banner" on March 28, 2025. Article 6 mentions that the protection funds for the "Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group" World Natural Heritage Site shall be included in the banner's fiscal budget; encourage social forces to participate in the protection of the "Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group" through investment, donation and other means.
Although it is hard to obtain the specific amount of funds for heritage protection and management, from the perspective of new laws and regulations, it can be considered that after Badain Jaran became a World Heritage Site, the funds for heritage protection and management have been further guaranteed. The People's Government of Alxa Right Banner issued the "Management Measures for the Protection and Utilization of the World Natural Heritage of Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group in Alxa Right Banner" on March 28, 2025. Article 6 mentions that the protection funds for the "Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group" World Natural Heritage Site shall be included in the banner's fiscal budget; encourage social forces to participate in the protection of the "Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain and Lake Group" through investment, donation and other means.
Staff capacity, training and development
The People's Government of Alxa Right Banner has established the Badain Jaran Desert World Heritage Nomination Administrative Office, which coordinates the management agencies of nature reserves, scenic site and geopark and is directly responsible for the implementation of the protection and management of the property, including resource and environmental monitoring, the management of protection and law enforcement teams, the implementation of regulations and planning, and the establishment of digital supervision centers and research centers to strengthen the scientific protection and management of the site. The management authorities have a total of 73 staff members mainly responsible for administrative management, resource survey, information supervision, scientific research, environmental protection, fire safety, law enforcement, publicity and education. Local residents are employed to engage in the tourism service industry of the nominated property , such as transportation, tour guide service, tourism commodity production and sales. The management authorities focus on improvement of personnel quality and strict professional knowledge training e.g. through lectures, intensive training, participation in on the job education organized by relevant departments at higher levels, post education, as well as assignments to other World natural Heritage sites (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). Further enhancements will be made in terms of staffing and funding to ensure the protection management and sustainable development of the heritage site (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Education and interpretation programmes
According to the evaluation field visit, the education and interpretation programmes need to be improved, especially in regards to the quality of interpretation panels in the property. The current management plan aims to enhance education and interpretation facilities e.g. by further developing the existing visitor centre with exhibitions, teaching managers and community members about heritage values through events, offering courses on natural World Heritage and site visits, however the current status of these is unclear.
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism and visitation management are good and framed according to the current site-level management plan and the Badain Jaran Desert Tourism Area Master Plan (Revised) 2017-2030, which takes into account the zoning defined in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert National Geopark and in the Master Plan of Alxa Desert Global Geopark Badain Jaran Park Tourism (2010-2020). The administration bureau aims to confirm its environmental capacity, and only allow limited tourism within the prescribed areas; tourism areas, routes and tourist diversion measures will be developed according to the heritage value, environment and carrying capacity; the number of tourists entering the desert will be strictly controlled; at the
same time, tourist guidance and control programs in the off peak season will be formulated to ensure that the impact of touring behaviour is within the natural carrying capacity and desert resilience.
same time, tourist guidance and control programs in the off peak season will be formulated to ensure that the impact of touring behaviour is within the natural carrying capacity and desert resilience.
Sustainable use
Most of the publicly owned area of the property is uninhabited. There are no towns, roads, agriculture, or mining activities found within the nominated property. However, around 100 herders follow their traditional livelihoods through grazing with camels, goats, and other livestock, and this activity appears to be fully in harmony with the area (IUCN, 2024). Additionally, local herders benefit directly from tourism to the site (China Daily, 2024).
Monitoring
Monitoring of sand dunes and water quality is good, but the monitoring of lacustrine fauna, flora and microbes should be carried out every a few years. According to the management plan, a scientific research information centre will be established to support data collection, information processing and centralisation of the monitoring data to inform management (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). An appropriate indicator based system for world heritage management and monitoring has been established based on the specific conditions of the property and its state of conservation. Furthermore, it is envisioned to increase the involvement of NGOs and herdsmen in monitoring activities, however it is unclear to what extent this is currently the case.
Research
The site is beginning to develop it's research basis and establishing cooperation with various types of organisations, including nature protection agencies, geologists, tourism organizations and research institutes and universities both at the national and international level (National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 2019). The Chinese Academy of Sciences and other research organisations provide technical support to monitoring, research and the protection of the property (IUCN, 2024). However, the evaluation site visit indicated that geological research of lactrine sediments has been neglected in the past, thus should be improved.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The existing management system and governance is effective in addressing threats outside the site, especially due to the existing zoning and a strong legal framework, which prevents negative impacts such as potential pollution from salt mines.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The management system and governance arrangements are currently effective at addressing the few threats inside the site. The collaboration with local herders regarding the nomination, management and monitoring ensure that sustainable use of the site is continued and grazing pressure does not pose a high threat to the site, it's attributes and associated values.
Overall, the site's protection and management are highly effective. There is potential for the State Party to further improve the protection status and the regular monitoring of lacustrine organisms, along with water quality of some significant lakes and geological research on lacustrine sedimentation. The engagement with local herders is commendable through the active participation in the protection, management, education, and promotion of traditional cultures. One area that could be improved is the education and interpretation facilities; however, if the objectives of the current management plan are followed, this is likely to improve. Additionally, sufficient funding is needed to ensure the effective management of the site in the future.
Geological and geomorphic features of desert landscapes and landforms.
Good
Trend
Stable
Currently the aesthetic and geoheritage values are in excellent condition and the property is able to maintain continuing evolutionary processes of desert landscape and landform formation with the linked aeolian features (IUCN, 2024).
Dense assemblage of mega dunes and other dune types
Good
Trend
Stable
The vast area is large enough to protect the complete set of attributes and to ensure the sustained integrity of the desert landscape and landforms within the property (IUCN, 2024).
Abundance of interdunal lakes
Good
Trend
Stable
The abundance of interdunal lakes is currently in good condition, however the potential threat from climate change causing warming-drying trends, which could affect the groundwater recharge needs to be carefully monitored to maintain the integrity of the inter-dunal lakes (IUCN, 2024).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
Considering the site has been recently inscribed, the current state and trend of heritage values and attributes are in good condition. With the effective management currently in place, the trend of these values is predicted as stable. However, the potential threat of climate change affecting the recharge of groundwater needs to be monitored closely.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
There is currently insufficient evidence of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values to determine the current state and trend.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Good
Stable
The local herders are being strongly involved in the site management and are benefiting from tourism. It seems they are able to continue their traditional ways of life and communicate their knowledge to visitors.
Additional information
Provision of jobs,
Tourism-related income
Promoting Local Tourism Development and Improving Residents' Living Standards (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Soil stabilisation,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
Preserving Desert Landscapes and Natural Habitats to Maintain Regional Ecological Balance (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
Unique Natural Landscape with Significant Implications for Global Climate Research and Environmental Education (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
The site offers a unique opportunity to carry out scientific research on desert landscapes that have developed through a range of climate conditions over time. Additionally, the unique values of the site are of high value to tourism, from which local herders can benefits by directly being involved in tourist-related activities and receiving income. Furthermore, the unique geomorphological features of the site are important for water provisioning in the area.
References
| № | References |
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| 1 |
China Daily (2024). Herders live in harmony with desert of 'Five Wonders'. By Zhang Wei in Alshaa League, Inner Mongolia published in China Daily on 15 October 2024. Available online: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/595288
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| 2 |
IUCN (2011) World Heritage Desert Landscapes: Potential Priorities for the Recognition of Desert Landscapes and Geomorphological Sites on the World Heritage List. 44p.
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| 3 |
IUCN (2024). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation, Badain Jaran Desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes (China). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 2024, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. WHC/24/46.COM/INF.8B2 [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, pp.3-16. Available at: [Accessed 25 October 2024].
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| 4 |
IUCN Consultation (2024). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation form: Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes, China.
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| 5 |
Jiang, G. et al. (2021). Hydrological Evolution of a Lake Recharged by Groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert Over the Past 140 years. Frontiers in Earth Science, Doi: 10.3389/feart.2021.721724.
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| 6 |
National Forestry and Grassland Administration (2019). Badain Jaran Desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes Management Plan. [online] China: National Forestry and Grassland Administration of the People’s Republic of China pp.1-56. Available at: [Accessed 25 October 2024].
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| 7 |
State Party of China (2019). Nomination of Badain Jaran Desert – Towers of Sand and Lakes as a World Heritage Site. [online] China: National Forestry and Grassland Administration of the People’s Republic of China, pp.1-324. Available at: [Accessed 25 October 2025].
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| 8 |
Wang, Z. et al. (2021). Groundwater characteristics and climate and ecological evolution in the Badain Jaran Desert in the southwest Mongolian Plateau. China Geology, 3, 421−432. doi:10.31035/cg2021056.
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| 9 |
World Heritage Committee (2024). Decision Decision 46 COM 8B.2. Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes (China). In: Report of decisions of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (New Delhi, India, 21-31 July 2024). [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/8594
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