Takla Makan Desert: Quick Facts

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Map of Asia highlighting the location of the Takla Makan Desert in northwestern China, with the desert area shaded in orange. Surrounding regions, including parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean, are shown for geographic context. An inset in the top right corner provides a global view with the desert's location marked.

A small herd of goats stands on the sandy plain of the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China, with large sand dunes and mountains under a cloudy sky in the background.

Tien Shan mountain range

Expanse of sand dunes, Takla Makan Desert, Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, western China.

Satellite image of a large dust storm in the Takla Makan Desert, northwestern China.

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