Mingshashan Yueyaquan Scenic Area is located 5 kilometers south of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level scenic area. The scenic area has a planned area of 212.86 square kilometers, with a scenic spot area of 76.82 square kilometers and a core area of 12.79 square kilometers. It is famous for its unique coexistence of sand dunes and springs, known as "one of the most spectacular sights beyond the Great Wall."
Historical Culture
Mingshashan (Singing Sand Mountain) was called Shensha Mountain and Shajiao Mountain in the Han Dynasty, and began to be called Mingshashan during the Wei and Jin Dynasties. Yueyaquan (Crescent Moon Spring) was called Shajing in the Han Dynasty, Yaoquan in the Tang Dynasty, and began to be called Yueyaquan in the Qing Dynasty. It has been a tourist destination since the Han Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, Yueyaquan was deeper and had a wider lake surface, with pleasure boats on the water and temples built by the spring. In July 1988, the scenic area was brought under government management and protection. In 1994, it was rated as the third batch of "National Key Scenic Areas" by the State Council. In 2015, it was awarded the national AAAAA-level tourist attraction and China Dunhuang Global Geopark.
Main Attractions
Mingshashan (Singing Sand Mountain)
Mingshashan stretches approximately 40 kilometers from east to west and 20 kilometers from north to south, with a main peak altitude of 1,715 meters. The mountain is composed of fine sand in five colors: red, yellow, green, black, and white. From the foot of the mountain, it resembles an ancient Egyptian pyramid, resplendent and magnificent. When people slide down the sand mountain, the sand makes a rumbling sound, hence the name "Singing Sand Mountain."
Yueyaquan (Crescent Moon Spring)
Nestled within Mingshashan, Yueyaquan is named for its resemblance to a crescent moon. The spring is deeper in the east and shallower in the west, with a maximum depth of about 5 meters, known as the "First Spring in the Desert." In 2022, the water area is 8,200 square meters, 242 meters long from east to west, up to 50 meters wide at the widest point, with an average water depth of about 1.5 meters and a maximum depth of 2.2 meters.
Folk Custom Museum
Founded in 1988, the museum has a construction area of 4,300 square meters and features a traditional castle-style exterior. The buildings inside adopt the most common quadrangle courtyard style of Dunhuang folk architecture. The museum brings together the essence of Dunhuang's folk architecture, customs, and traditional culture, serving as a base for displaying modern Dunhuang folk culture.
Husband and Wife Willows
Planted in 1971, these are two dry willows growing together from the same root system, known as the "Husband and Wife Willows," becoming a scenic spot in the desert where visitors linger.
Site of Yaowang Temple
Precisely called Yaowang Cave, it was discovered in the 1990s. According to the unearthed wooden merit stele, it was built in the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty (1818) to commemorate Sun Simiao, the King of Medicine. Only a few broken walls remain today.
Food
Dunhuang Hezhi Powder Soup
A bowl contains meatballs, jiasha (stuffed tofu rolls), and fried tofu strips, scalded with boiling mutton soup, sprinkled with green onions, seasoned, and filled with soup, emitting a fragrant aroma.
Dunhuang Yugan Rice
In spring when elm trees bloom, Dunhuang locals pick fresh elm seeds, wash them, steam them with flour, and stir-fry them with lard and chives.
Lanzhou Beef Noodle
A famous Lanzhou snack, the noodles are made by skillfully utilizing the physical properties of their components, namely the extensibility and elasticity of gluten proteins.
Dunhuang Niangpi (Steamed Wheat Cake)
A wheat-based product: mix high-quality flour with water, separate the starch and protein, steam the batter in boiling water for one minute to form niangpi, cut into thin strips, and serve with gluten, green onions, garlic sauce, chili, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Dunhuang Saozi Noodles
Knead flour with water, roll into thin strips, boil, and serve with soup. The soup is made by stir-frying saozi (pork/beef, radish, potato, etc.), adding water, and seasoning with tofu, green onions, garlic, coriander, shrimp slices, sesame, etc., then placing the noodles in the soup.
Tickets
Peak season (April-November): Full price 110 RMB/person, half price 55 RMB/person
Off-season (December-March): Full price 55 RMB/person, half price 27.5 RMB/person
Ticket information is for reference only. It is recommended to check detailed pricing and preferential policies on the official website in advance.
Opening Hours
Peak season (April-November): 06:00-19:30
Off-season (December-March): 07:00-19:00
Opening hours are for reference only and may change due to seasonal variations or weather conditions. Check the official website for updates in advance.
Tour Routes
Scenic Viewing Route: Mingyue Square Archway → Tiebeiyu Park → Mingshashan (Singing Sand Mountain) → Mingyue Pavilion → Yueyaquan (Crescent Moon Spring). This route allows visitors to admire the natural scenery of the desert and climb the magical Mingshashan.
Leisure and Entertainment Route: Mingyue Square Archway → Camel Riding → East Peak of Mingshashan → Tiebeiyu Park → Yueyaquan. These two routes form a circular path, enabling panoramic sightseeing and in-depth experiences.
Transportation
- Airplane: Dunhuang Airport is located 13 kilometers east of Dunhuang City. Airport buses, taxis, and public buses are available. Airport buses depart three times daily at 09:00, 14:00, and 21:00, taking about 20 minutes to the city center, fare 10 RMB. Airport buses stop 500 meters west of the airport, fare 3 RMB/person.
- Train: Dunhuang has Dunhuang Railway Station and Liuyuan Station. Dunhuang Railway Station is about 10 kilometers east of the city, accessible by bus, taxi, or hotel pickup. Liuyuan Station is on the Lanxin Railway, connecting to major cities; from Liuyuan to Dunhuang, take a bus from the bus station.
- Long-distance bus: Dunhuang Long-distance Bus Station has routes to cities inside and outside the province.
- Urban transportation: Take bus route 3 to the scenic area, with stops at Woodworking Factory, Water and Electricity Company, etc., departing every 10 minutes, fare 1 RMB. Taxis are also available, with a starting fare of 5 RMB and metered charging.
Must-See Attractions
- Mingshashan (Singing Sand Mountain): Famous for its singing sand, experience sand sliding and enjoy desert scenery. The mountain is magnificent with undulating sand peaks and five-colored sand.
- Yueyaquan (Crescent Moon Spring): Surrounded by Mingshashan, shaped like a crescent moon, known as the "First Spring in the Desert." The water is sweet, home to rare ironback fish and seven-star grass.
Tour Tips
- Choose visiting times wisely, avoiding high temperatures at noon; early morning or evening is ideal for sightseeing and avoiding heat.
- Prepare sun protection items in advance, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats, due to strong sunlight in desert areas.
- Consider riding a camel to save energy and better experience desert customs.
- If sand sliding, purchase sand boards at the scenic area and pay attention to safety to avoid collisions.
Notes
- Follow scenic area regulations and do not climb prohibited sand dunes.
- Protect the environment and do not litter to keep the scenic area clean.
- Obey staff instructions when riding camels and avoid dangerous actions during the ride.
- The desert climate is dry; stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.