The Gobi is a large desert in East and Central Asia, covering parts of northern and northwestern China and southern Mongolia. It is the world's second-largest desert after the Sahara, and is known for its extreme temperatures and arid conditions. The Asian Expanse is a term used to describe the vast area of land stretching from the Middle East to the Pacific Ocean, encompassing much of the continent of Asia. The Gobi Desert is part of this expanse, and is one of the most iconic and recognizable features of the region.