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How large is the Takla Makan Desert?

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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. — Takla Makan Desert The Takla Makan Desert is flanked by high mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west.

The Takla Makan Desert is one of the largest sandy deserts in the world, covering a total area of approximately 123,550 square miles (320,000 square km).1

It extends about 600 miles (960 km) from west to east and reaches a maximum width of approximately 260 miles (420 km). Located in the central part of the Tarim Basin in the Xinjiang region of China, the desert is characterized by its vast, barren landscape.12