Alxa League is nestled in the westernmost part of North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where Inner Mongolia borders Northwest China's Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Alxa is well-known for its unique desert landscape, splendid Populus euphratica (also referred to as Euphrates poplar) forest, rich Mongolian culture, and plentiful historic relics.

In Mongolian, "Alxa" means colorful place. Given its geographic position, Alxa was an economic center, and a transportation hub, during ancient times. It is an important region along the Grassland Silk Road, which dates back more than 2,500 years. The Grassland Silk Road was the main trade route across the grasslands of northern Eurasia. Alxa has long been a vital exchange hub for Eastern and Western civilizations. 

Alxa Desert Global Geopark consists of the Badain Jaran, Tengger and Juyan geo-regions. In 2009, the park was added to the Global Geoparks Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), where it was listed as the world's only desert geopark. The spectacular desert scenery offers an immersive experience for visitors; whether they prefer expeditions, or participating in sightseeing tours, the geopark provides visitors with the charm of the grand desert. 

Badain Jaran Geo-region is a boundless ocean of sand. Carried by the wind, sand has been settling in the geo-region for thousands of years. The region is an "outdoor desert art gallery," showcasing the graceful and unforgettable works created by the wind and sand. Travelers can marvel at the sand peaks, of all shapes and sizes, explore a mysterious desert lake, or even conquer the highest sand peak in the world. Badain Jaran is also a stage for incredible concerts, where the singing sand (composed of sandy areas of desert or coastline that naturally produce sounds in the wind, due to a combination of physical characteristics) entertains the visitors with its exotic music. 

Mount Mandela is an important part of Badain Jaran Geo-region. When walking on the mountain, visitors are on a voyage to the most enchanting prehistoric art gallery in Alxa. More than 4,000 rock paintings, some dating back nearly 5,000 years, have been found on the mountain. The rock paintings depict the geography and nature during ancient times, as well as the lifestyle, hunting and religious faith of the ancient people. 

Populus euphratica forest is a must-see scenic spot in the geopark. The Populus euphratica tree, also called "desert-hero tree," is a rare species, with a thick trunk, long life span and strong ability to resist wind and sand. In China, the trees only grow in the Gobi Desert, in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The following saying describes the trees' strong vitality: "Live for 1,000 years, until death; Stand for another 1,000 years, until fallen; Exist for another 1,000 years, until rotten." 

Situated in Ejina Banner, in Alxa, the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest is one of the three remaining natural Populus euphratica forests in the world. Autumn is the best time to view the Populus euphratica forest in Ejina. The forest undergoes a spectacular transformation during autumn; the leaves gradually change from green to gold, causing the area to become a sea of golden leaves, creating a breathtaking autumnal scene. As the autumn breeze rustles through the forest, the leaves fall, creating dreamy scenes straight out of fairy tales. 

Ejina's Populus euphratica forest has become a magnet, drawing visitors and shutterbugs who want to view the magnificent golden fairyland. From late September to mid-October, travelers flock to the forest, to capture the brilliant natural landscape against the background of the blue sky, green lakes and yellow deserts. 

The Populus euphratica forest not only offers a magnificent landscape, it also provides a habitat for numerous species of wildlife, who contribute to the region's rich ecological diversity, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. 

Tonghu Geo-area, located in Tengger Geo-region, is a complete contrast; Tonghu is a wetland grassland, in the heart of Tengger Desert, which boasts the mesmerizing landscapes of lakes, sand dunes and grasslands. As a result of the subterranean water sources, most of the region's lakes never dry up, despite the hostile climate. Tonghu is a traditional pastoral area of the ethnic Mongolian people. In Tonghu, travelers can ride galloping horses on the grassland, or enjoy a camel ride on the desert, to experience Mongolian life. 

Alxa offers a blend of stunning natural scenery and abundant cultural heritage. There is something for everyone in this enchanting area. It is really a "colorful place," which encourages visitors to explore its beauty.

Photos from Tuchong and VCG

(Women of China English Monthly September 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha