Kumtag Desert Scenic Spot (庫姆塔格沙漠景區(qū))
Kumtag Desert Scenic Spot |
The Kumtag Desert Scenic Spot is a landform in east Xinjiang, which became a national park in the year 2002. Covering an area of 1,880 square kilometers, the spot was expanded in 2007 to include much of the surrounding area, including the 1,000-square kilometer Kanas Geological Park . It is expected to be the world's largest national park.
Kumtag means "sand mountain" in Uighur language. Temperatures in the desert vary from freezing at night to baking during the day. The yellow barren sand in various shapes contrast with the green fertile lands 500 km to the south, where the mighty Yangtze River flows. The spot has been an ideal place for scientific research and exploration, expedition, sight-seeing and healthcare. Sand treatment is said to be an effective way to cure rheumatism as well as waist and backaches.