Kumtag Desert

The Kumtag Desert, located at the junction of western Gansu Province and southeastern Xinjiang (briefly referred to as the Gansu-Xinjiang Kumtag Desert), roughly borders the Achik Valley-Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark to the north, the Altun Mountains to the south, the Lop Nur Big Ears to the west, and the Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain and Annanba National Nature Reserve to the east, covering an area of about 22,000 square kilometers. This region has an extremely arid climate, with annual precipitation below 30 millimeters, and the highest temperature in a day can reach 80°, making it the most intensely dry and eroded plateau area, where almost no vegetation can survive on the ground. Also, due to its proximity to Anxi, it is influenced by the strong winds of Anxi, with howling winds throughout the seasons. Moreover, the widespread distribution of the Kumtag sand ridges and Yardangs adds to its ever-changing atmosphere. Going for four nights and five days without a drop of water to wet one's throat, with a parched mouth and stomach, one is almost at the brink of death. The eight hundred li of the Moheyan quicksand dunes stretching between Yiwu and Guazhou are a nightmare for anyone who recalls them. After surviving this perilous river of moving sands, Xuanzang still had lingering fears when reminiscing about the Moheyan quicksand dunes: 'The Moheyan quicksand dunes stretch for eight hundred li, anciently called the Sand River. (In 'Journey to the West', it was turned into the turbulent Flowing Sands River, where the Sand Monk awaited Xuanzang's arrival.) Above, no birds fly; below, no beasts roam; lying down, no water or grass, only one's shadow for company. For four nights and five days, with a parched mouth and stomach, one is almost at the brink of death. All around is a vast expanse, at night, demons raise fires, shining like numerous stars; by day, frightening winds carry sand, scattering like a timely rain.' Kumtag Desert