Mingsha Mountain

Where singing sands meet the crescent moon, a desert symphony.

5A National Scenic Area

07:30-18:00

Last entry: 18:00Ticket check-in hours may adjust slightly with seasons; verification before your visit is recommended.

About This Place

Mingsha Mountain, located south of Dunhuang, is famed for the thunderous sound produced by its sliding sands. This golden dune cradles the Crescent Moon Spring, creating the miraculous desert spectacle of 'sand and spring coexisting in harmony.' Here, you can ride a camel across the sea of sand, slide down the dunes to hear nature's echo, and witness breathtaking desert sunsets and starry skies.

Highlights

Climb Mingsha Mountain for a panoramic view of the Crescent Moon Spring and a magnificent desert sunset.

Embark on a camel ride across the dunes, immersing yourself in the ancient atmosphere of the Silk Road.

Slide down the sandy slopes and experience the legendary 'singing sands' phenomenon firsthand.

Visit the Crescent Moon Spring, an oasis that has defied the desert for millennia.

Gaze upon the stunning Milky Way and star-filled sky in the pristine, light-pollution-free desert night.

Best Time to Visit

April-May, September-October

It's best to visit after 4 PM to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the sunset. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. From May Day to National Day, desert camping is available. Be prepared for significant temperature swings between day and night, and bring sun protection, sand gear, and warm layers.

Avoid Chinese Holidays

Strongly avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), and Labor Day (May 1-5). Crowds are extreme and tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

Ticket Information

CNY 110per person

Tickets can be purchased directly at the scenic area ticket office. The peak season full-price ticket is 110 CNY, while the off-season price (typically Nov-Mar) is 55 CNY. Discounts or free entry are available for students, seniors, etc., with valid original ID. We highly recommend registering your facial image upon first entry, which allows multiple re-entries via face recognition within three days of ticket purchase. Note that additional activities like camel riding (~100 CNY), electric cart rides (10 CNY one-way), and sand sliding (from 15 CNY) require separate fees. All prices are subject to the scenic area's daily announcement.