Dunhuang, a pearl city on the ancient Silk Road, is most renowned for Mingsha Mountain. The golden sand dunes glisten under the sun, and the wind blowing over the sand creates a natural melody that has echoed for millennia. This guide will take you to experience the unique charm of this magical desert.
Travel Preparation: The Right Way to Start Your Desert Trip
Tickets & Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
Peak season (May 1st – October 31st): ¥110 per person;
Off-season: ¥55 per person;
Half-price tickets are available for students, seniors, and children.
The ticket is valid for three days, and entry requires scanning your ID card.
Opening & Ticketing Hours: Starting from August 20th, 2025, the scenic area is open from 6:00 to 19:30 (ticketing ends accordingly).
Clothing & Gear
Clothing Basics: Light-colored long-sleeve shirts and comfortable long pants are essential—they protect against both sun and sand.
Shoes: High-top sand-proof shoes are preferred. If you don’t have them, you can rent sand-proof shoe covers at the scenic area.
Sun & Sand Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a face scarf are indispensable.
Other Essentials: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, an adequate amount of drinking water, a waterproof (and sand-proof) phone pouch, and a power bank.
Transportation Guide
Bus: Bus Line 3 directly reaches the Middle Gate of the scenic area, with a fare of ¥2. A free tourist bus line runs from 20:30 to 23:00, heading directly to the city center (departs when full).
Taxi: A taxi ride from the city center to the Middle Gate costs approximately ¥10–¥15.
Self-Driving: Navigate to the scenic area’s parking lot; charging facilities for new energy vehicles are available.
Best Times to Visit: Capture the Desert’s Most Stunning Moments
Early Morning (6:00–10:00): Cool with fewer crowds and soft light—ideal for watching the sunrise and enjoying the tranquility of the sand sea alone.
Late Afternoon (18:00–20:00): Avoid the midday heat; it’s perfect for trying activities and admiring the sunset. Riding a camel under the setting sun creates an incredibly atmospheric experience.
Night (After 20:00): Crescent Moon Spring is lit up, exuding a serene vibe. Around 21:00, you can join the Starry Sky Concert.
Must-Try Activities: Experience the Desert’s Diverse Charms
Camel Riding (¥130 per person):
A 40-minute ride across the sand sea. The tinkle of camel bells will transport you back to the Silk Road era, and the ride ends near Crescent Moon Spring.
Sand Sliding (¥40 per time):
Slide down the sand dunes, listen to the sound of the sand, and enjoy the excitement—it’s easy for beginners to try.
Desert Motorcycle (¥150 per vehicle):
Race across the dunes under the guidance of a professional instructor, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Hiking Up the Sand Dunes:
Climb to the top via the stepped path to overlook the full view of Crescent Moon Spring and Dunhuang City. It’s tiring but absolutely worth it.
Desert Photography (Starting from ¥399):
The scenic area offers photography services. You can rent Hanfu, Feitian (Apsara) costumes, etc., with makeup and shooting included to capture memorable desert portraits. (Contact: 19909358063)
10,000-Person Starry Sky Concert:
Held daily from August 28th to mid-October, starting around 21:00 (adjusted according to sunset time). The best viewing spot is above the sand-sliding area. Admission is free, and singing under the starry sky is an unforgettable experience.
Useful Tips
The scenic area has luggage storage facilities; there are rest areas and convenience stores near Crescent Moon Spring.
Do not litter arbitrarily.
Seniors over 65 years old are not suitable for camel riding; children under 1.4 meters tall and seniors over 60 years old are not allowed to try sand sliding.
Accommodation Recommendation: A Cozy Stay Close to the Desert
To enhance your Mingsha Mountain experience, choose accommodation nearby—the Dunhuang Cultural and Creative Industry Park, located right at the entrance of Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area, offers a unique stay.
The park skillfully integrates Dunhuang cultural elements with modern design, and a variety of room types are available.
Biggest Advantage: Just steps away from the scenic area—no need to rush out in the morning; you can leisurely be among the first to enter and secure a good spot for the sunrise. After playing late into the evening, you can walk back to your accommodation without worrying about transportation.
Additionally, the park has several exhibition halls where you can gain an up-close understanding of Dunhuang’s cultural charm. After a tiring day at Mingsha Mountain, you can visit the exhibition halls in the evening or stargaze in the courtyard. This makes your Dunhuang trip not only about the grandeur of the desert but also the warmth of culture—an exceptionally fulfilling experience.
(Admission to the park: ¥10 per person. Free admission is available for guests staying at the park’s hotel or those with a single consumption of over ¥188.)
Visiting Mingsha Mountain is an experience of conversing with nature. May this guide help you plan your trip and create unforgettable desert memories. Pack your bags and set off now!
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