HOHHOT - The world's first desert geopark opened to the public on Monday in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to a statement issued by park authorities.

The Alxa Desert Geopark, located in the Alxa Desert, has a total planned area of 630.37 square km and consists of the Badanjilin, Tenggeli and Juyan sub-parks and ten associated scenic areas, the statement said.

The park is intended to function as both a museum and a scientific research area, allowing tourists and scientists to examine the formation and evolution of the Alxa Desert, according to the statement. Guests will be able to go on expeditions and participate in sightseeing tours at the park, the statement said.

In August 2009, the park was added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN), where it was listed as the world's only desert geopark.