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Where is the Takla Makan Desert located in China?

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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 located in the central part of the Tarim Basin within the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, situated in western China.1

It is geographically defined by several prominent mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. To the east, the terrain transitions toward the Lop Nur basin.2