Qitai Desert Grassland Reserve

Qitai Desert Grassland Reserve

The Qitai Desert Grassland Reserve is located in the northeastern part of Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is covered with diluvial and alluvial deposits brought by mountain runoff during the Tertiary period. These deposits have been further eroded, transported, and accumulated by present-day water flow, especially wind action, forming vast areas of sand dunes and sand ridges. To its south lies an extensive, flat saline alluvial plain; the northern edge has slightly uplifted due to the rejuvenation of the Altay Mountains, forming hilly uplands of Tertiary sedimentary strata.