摘要
It took seven years to win recognition for the Badain Jaran Desert as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,reflecting China's dedication to natural heritage protection and the international community's recognition of its value.WHEN American journalist Donovan Webster explored the Badain Jaran Desert,the fourth largest desert in the world lying in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China,he was struck by its history dating back to the 14th century.He was also impressed by the hospitality of the locals wherever he went,offering him accommodation,food,and travel tips.He and many other explorers and geologists would be happy that the unique desert of sand towers and lakes has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,the first such honor for a Chinese desert.With this inclusion,China now boasts 15 World Natural Heritage sites and four heritage sites noted for both cultural and natural features.
