Home > Destination > Gansu > Dunhuang > Attractions > Echoing-Sand Mountain

Echoing-Sand Mountain

Ask Question
  • Echoing-Sand Mountain
    Echoing-Sand Mountain
  • Tour in Echoing-Sand Mountain
    Tour in Echoing-Sand Mountain
  • Camel Tour in Mingsha Mountain
    Camel Tour in Mingsha Mountain
1 2 3

5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from the southern suburb of Dunhuang City, Echoing-Sand Mountain (Mingsha Mountain) begins at the cliff top of Mogao Caves in the east and ends at the Danghe Reservoir in the west, stretching for 40 kilometers (about 25 miles). It is 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) wide from north to south with a height of tens of meters.

It is called 'Echoing-Sand Mountain' because the sand mountain produces loud sounds when there is a gale and slight sounds when there is only a breeze. Since ancient times, stories have been circulating about the echoing sand. The most popular one has it that a general from the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD) led his army out to subdue the western regions and was attacked by the enemy while passing through the area. While the two armies were locked in battle, a storm with high winds blew up. Both of the armies were buried in sand. Among the local residents it is believed that the sound of the sand is that of the two armies joined in battle.

Actually, the sounds are not made by the sand itself. Scientists have three explanations for the sounds. One is that the sand particles, which contain quartz crystals, rub together when flowing downwards under the force of the wind or human footsteps. This friction produces a static charge, which discharges, creating the sound. The second theory is that the dry sand particles can easily produce a sharp, snapping sound when they rub together, especially in hot weather. These individual snapping sounds together create the thundering echo. The last is that the valleys between the sand mountains are natural echo chambers. The grating and static sound made by the falling sand is amplified creating a huge reverberant sound.

Seen from afar, the mountain is like a huge yellow dragon lying smoothly and endlessly on the horizon. As you approach it, you will find that the whole mountain is made up of tiny colorful sand particles. There are two peculiar features about the mountain. One is that the sand makes a groaning sound when people sliding down the mountain. The other one is that footprints will disappear entirely by the next day. 

 Tips:
1. The sunset view from the in mountain is spectacular, so it is best to visit in the afternoon or at dusk during summer.
2. Holding an umbrella while riding a camel is not permitted because the camel may become frightened.
3. There is a reception counter for visitors, equipped with sleds for sand sliding and wooden ladders for mountain climbing,
4. At Echoing Sand Mountain, visitors can ride across the sand dunes on camel or slide down the sand on a sleds.

 Entrance Fee (include the entrance fee of Crescent Lake): 
CNY 120 (Jul.1 - Oct. 31)
CNY 80 (Apr. 1 - Jun. 30)
CNY 60 (Nov. 1 - Mar. 31) 

 Best Time to Visit: May to Oct.

 Transportation: 
A. Take the mini buses in Dunhuang City and get off at Mingshashan or Yueyaquan;
B. Take a taxi from the city (about CNY 15)

 More Toursit Attractions in Dunhuang
Ask a Question about Echoing-Sand Mountain
Back Go Top