Echoing-Sand Mountain
» Dunhuang, Gan Su

鸣沙山 '鸣沙山上古城亭,亭外流沙不住鸣'

Echoing-sand Dunes,Singing Sand Dunes,Mingsha Mountain

5km south of Dunhuang

Situated five kilometers (about three miles) south of Dunhuang City, the Echoing-Sand Mountain is celebrated for the sound of the moving sand. In 1994 it is listed as the national key scenic spot. The Echoing-Sand Mountain, the Crescent Spring and the Mogao Grottoes art landscape merges into a whole which has become a popular tourist attraction all around the world.

It is 800 square kilometers in size, stretching 40 kilometers from east to west and 20 kilometers from south to the north. The main peak is 1,715 meters above sea level. Its ridges and peaks are known to be as sharp as a knife.

The legend

There is a legend that says that, in ancient times, a general with many soldiers came here to fight in a war with their enemies. While they were engaged in a fierce battle, a great gust of wind buried all the warriors in the sand and the sand mountain was formed. As the battle was at its height, the soldiers continued to fight beneath the sand. Thus, the sound head is said to be the roar of the soldiers. However, the real cause is the friction and static created as the wind shifts the sand or you slip down the mountainside.

What to admire

Echoing-Sand Mountain, which means "singing sand mountain," though it is not really a mountain, but a giant sand dune.

The colorful magical sands

The sand of the mountain has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. When a strong wind blows, the fast shifting sand roars. When a light breeze comes, the sand creates gentle, beautiful sounds akin to music. It is the same when tourists are sliding down the mountainside. At first, the sand just whispers; but the sound gradually become louder until it reaches a crescendo like thunder or a drum beat. Some say that the sand is singing, while to others it is like an echo and this is how the mountain gets its name.

The Wonders of the Gobi Desert

The moving sand seldom accompanies the clear spring in nature. But in Dunhuang, the strange sand dunes always takes the clear sweet spring as their shadow, which make them outstanding among lots of tourist attractions in the world. The blue Crescent Spring encloses the foot of the Echoing-Sand Mountain. The two accompany each other eternally in a harmonious and almost paradoxical existence. Through the ages, the marvelous landscape is celebrated worldwide with the reputation "a pearl north of the Great Wall." The two enjoy the title of "The Wonders of the Gobi Desert."

The three treasures

The singing sands of the mountain have many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. These magical sands are well known as the "five-color sand" which are regarded as three treasures of the local area along with the "iron-back fish" and "seven-star grass" from the Crescent Spring.

What to adventure

Besides the charming scenery of the Crescent Spring, you have chances to experience some fun and adventures. You could enjoy the exciting riding camels, dune surfing and therapeutic sand baths (imagine being buried up to your neck) are available activities.

The climb to the top of the dunes is sweaty work, but the dramatic view back across the rolling desert sands towards the oasis makes the effort worthwhile. To get to the top, you could ride bicycles or hire a taxi.

Descending the dunes is quite simple - slide down the dune to the sound of "rumbling sands" or the sound of thunder or a drum-roll as the wind sweeps across the sands. The thunder-like sound produced when sliding down along the sands is tremendous.

What to savor

Like most cuisines in west China, the food here is spicy. Locals like to serve guests a special wheat noodle called "saozi mian" - it is very tasty. "Dunhuang huangmian" is another delectable noodle dish; the thin long noodle are added to a broth then topped with vegetables. The Dunhuang banquets are delivers great food and rousing entertainment. The weather here is also good for growing fruit, plump grapes, plums and juicy melons abound.

When to explore

The best time to explore the Crescent Spring is from April to October. In summer the sun is very strong so the sunscreen essential. In winter it is very cold so bring plenty of warm clothes.

  • Opening Hours: 24 hours

Attractions around » Dunhuang, Gan Su

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Mountain

Mountain

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

The sand of the mountain has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. When a strong wind blows, the fast shifting sand roars. When a light breeze comes, the sand creates gentle, beautiful sounds akin to music.

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