Cart

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Subtotal: $0.00

Singing Sand Dunes

Introducing Singing Sand Dunes
Singing Sand Dunes is named Mingsha Mountain in Chinese. This sand mountain range stretches from the cliff where the Mogao Caves is located, to the Danghe Dam on the west. It is about 40km in length, 20km in width, and 100m in average height. The highest altitude is 1650m. The Singing Sand Dunes is has been well known for its wonderful landscape: "Mountain and spring coexist, sand and water are in harmony." It is honored as One Must-See Beyond the Great Wall.

Singing Sand Dunes Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Mingshashan 鸣沙山
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Sand, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 06:00-19:30
• Entrance Fee: ¥110 from May to Oct; ¥55 from Nov to Apr
• Address: Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu Province

What to expect at Singing Sand Dunes

In ancient times, Singing Sand Dunes was also called Shajiao Mountain, also known as dune Holy Sand Mountain. When tourists climb the mountain, the sand roars with the foot falling, hence Singing Sand Mountain. The sand dunes are composed of tinny hyaline sands of five different colors – red, yellow, blue, white and black, and winds its way up and down showing different shapes. Some of the sand dunes stand like a golden pyramid, some lie as the fish scale, some wave like a snake. When a strong wind blows, you can hear loud sound like roaring made by the moving sands. While when light wind blows, the sand echoes like some gentle sound of orchestral music. Scientists have revealed the secrets of the Singing Sand Dunes that collision between sand grains cause the motions of the grains to become synchronized. The outer layer of the dune vibrates like the cone of a loudspeaker. The particular note depends primarily on the size of the grains.

For thousands of years, the sand has surrounded the spring, and the spring has reflected the Singing Sand Dunes, like a crystal jade inlaid in the valley of the Singing Sand Dunes. "The sand sings when the wind blows; the spring reflects the moon clearly." This kind of geomorphological feature — "Mountain and spring coexist, sand and water are in harmony" — is nothing other than a wonder.

How to get to Singing Sand Dunes
• Take bus No. 3 to Crescent Lake and you will see the mountain.
• Take a taxi to Singing Sand Dunes from downtown (about 10 mins).

Additional travel advice on Singing Sand Dunes
• The entrance ticket is for Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, which is valid for three days. Visitors shall record their fingerprints at the exit before finishing the first visit. Then they can enter and exit the scenic area freely within three days.
• It is recommended to visit the mountain early in the morning or during the sunset as the temperature goes high in daytime.
• Please take care when participating in the activities such as camel riding, sand sliding, etc.

Grid  List 

Set Descending Direction
  1. Tour Highlights
    • Visit Mogao Caves, a complex of 492 grottoes representing the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art.
    • Admire the impressive collection of written sutras and relics excavated from Mogao Caves at Dunhuang Museum.
    • Visit Crescent Lake, an oasis nestled in the desert.
    • Camel riding on the Singing Sand Dunes.
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide.
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments.

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Dunhuang
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Dunhuang
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Dunhuang
    • Visit Mogao Caves (3 hours)
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit Dunhuang Museum (1 hour)
    • Camel riding on the Singing Sand Dunes (1 hour)
    • Visit Crescent Lake (1 hour)
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Dunhuang

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $358 $228 $178 $168 $158 $138 $128 $118 $116 $108


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Dunhuang Museum is closed on Monday tours.
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days..

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More

Grid  List 

Set Descending Direction