Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain
Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
446 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
153
Average
36
Poor
12
Terrible
8
F8124KTlucyb
66 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The crowds have died down now the frenzy of Chinese summer tourism has abated, and the kiddies are back in the classroom. My mobility impairment meant the sand mobiles were the only option to scale the epic dunes. The yellow ones are the way to go as they are faster than the green. While pricey, at 450RMB to scale the first dune and an additional 450 to proceed to a dune further afield, it was absolutely worth it. Our driver was a lead foot and it was very exciting. He doubles as a photographer, getting us to pose and using our phone to take many fantastic shots. We were relatively undisturbed and had a spectacular view of the sunset. Our driver was in no hurry to get back and we spent a good 60 minutes appreciating the views. Weather was perfect. Much better than the Disney spectacle below.
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kikiadvisor69
Wuhan, China42 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The dunes fields is huge and beautiful. But only one entry access to this beautiful natural area therefore it is like an amusement park.
It is beautiful but experience could be much better if not only concentrates in one area.
There is only one spot to go and only one dune to climb.
Even if it is hot , go around 3:00 pm or really early in the morning. After 5 pm it is very crowded.!! Very crowded.
To enjoy better views , go really to the top ( you can walk on the top of the first dune). Also some buggy will bring you further away in the Dunes.
It is beautiful but experience could be much better if not only concentrates in one area.
There is only one spot to go and only one dune to climb.
Even if it is hot , go around 3:00 pm or really early in the morning. After 5 pm it is very crowded.!! Very crowded.
To enjoy better views , go really to the top ( you can walk on the top of the first dune). Also some buggy will bring you further away in the Dunes.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xcschlr
Milwaukee, WI816 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain - and Crescent Moon Pool are basically two parts of the same scenic park. The sand dunes are quite sizable and bigger than any I’d seen before. It entails a fairly strenuous but relatively short hike to the top. The path made of ropes does make the hike a bit easier. Once you are on top of the dune, you can sit down and enjoy the view of the oasis below including the intriguing Crescent Moon Lake and the view of additional and bigger sand dunes nearby. There are other recreational activities such as camel rides or sand mobile rides, but we skipped these because the large number of tours on the path of the rides would make it hard to feel that you were in a desert. If you visit the park on a hot summer day, it is best to go shortly before sunset so that the air is cooler. From the top of the sand dune, you can watch the beautiful sunset on a clear or slightly cloudy day.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian Anderson
Shanghai, China158 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Unashamedly touristy but definitely worth a visit, and close to Dunhuang city, for the beautiful sand dunes and crescent moon lake which somehow never gets covered by sand. Activities include camel riding, hot air balloon, four wheel drive buggies. Snacks available but take water as sun can be blistering and little shade.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Bangkok, Thailand4,945 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
The desert can be harsh, difficult and dangerous. But also incredibly beautiful and exciting.
In Gansu province there is a huge desert which is full of life. Not green life but human life. It's become an attraction for fun. Formed around a Cresent Lake, it's become a form of Oasis
You can ride ATV quad vehicles across the sand, admire the sweeping awesome beauty of the sand and skyline. You can ride camels, and even check out the camel crossing which is a surreal sight.
There are also sky activities such as helicopter and gliding. There is more to the desert than just sand
In Gansu province there is a huge desert which is full of life. Not green life but human life. It's become an attraction for fun. Formed around a Cresent Lake, it's become a form of Oasis
You can ride ATV quad vehicles across the sand, admire the sweeping awesome beauty of the sand and skyline. You can ride camels, and even check out the camel crossing which is a surreal sight.
There are also sky activities such as helicopter and gliding. There is more to the desert than just sand
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributions
Oct 2019
It was a desert experience, to ride a camel again, but this time one with a double hump. Our group had fun romping around in the sand, walking up the ladder on the sand, and lying in the sand and making butterfly designs. Lots of good photo ops.
Written 30 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,291 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
I came to Dunhuang by train from Lanzhou. I departed Lanzhou at 10 pm and arrived at Dunhuang at about 6.30 am the next day. The train fare cost me about RMB142 for a hard seater ticket. On the first day, I visited Mogao Caves, stayed at a hostel at the downtown of Dunhuang and the next day, took a public bus from the downtown near a kindergarten and headed my way to Mingsha Shan. The public bus only cost RMB2 and it terminates near the entrance of the attraction. It is easy to find your way to the attraction.
I purchased the admission ticket at the counter and cost me only RMB62 (Nov is a low season period and thus cheaper). If you come during the high season, it would cost RMB120. At the building where the admission counter is located, you can leave your luggage bag with the counter staff for free and collected them after your visit. Pure drinking water is also provided from dispenser at the building. The admission ticket allows you free access to the attraction for a total of 3 days but you have to proceed to a camera stand to have your facial features captured for identification should you come in on a subsequent visit during the 3 days. In fact, for me, I came back on a second visit in the evening and the camera was able to identify me and allowed me free access.
The Mingsha Shan is undeniably one of the most impressive attractions in the north west of China. I came at a time in Nov when the weather is turning cold and windy and frankly speaking, I found myself unable to adapt suitably well to this dry and cold climate with temperatures fluctuating between 15 degree in the day and -2 degree at night. I had spent almost half of my life span in tropical climate and found the climate here challenging.
I was not equipped with any lip balm and blisters appeared on my lips. My epidemic lay of my skin on my thigh turned dry, reddish and itchy. I had to wear at least 3 layers of clothing when I slept at night even though the hot air-conditioner was switched on. I found myself feeling lethargic due to lack of sufficient rest and sleep at night.
But this Mingsha Shan made me forgot about my pain and discomfort when I became engrossed in the vast beauty of the attraction. The attraction was so unique and totally different form of experience from any other attractions I had been in China. It is desert type of terrain and this was my first encounter in such a terrain. I touched the sand and wondered if there was any difference between those in my country and in the desert.
I just could not imagine I am right in the middle of the Gobi Desert, in an oasis town travelled during those imperial days by the ancient Silk Road explorers during the Han, Tang and even the Yuan Dynasties. The camels riding on the dunes blended and contrasted sharply and beautifully with the vast expanse of the desert in the background just like ships and boats contrasted prominently in the vast expanse of the blue oceans. The soothing piped music and song resonated in the valleys and undulating sand dunes. I found great pleasure and relief in enjoying the music and songs throughout the exploration.
The oasis Crescent Moon Pool further enhanced the aesthetic appreciation of the whole area. It was awesome taking photographs after photographs of the oasis. I also found fun scaling up the sand dunes and enjoyed the climb.
I spent more than half a day wandering around the sand dunes. I felt lost in a wonderland while the wind caressed my face. I did not take the camel ride which cost RMB100. I supposed it is a great experience doing so if you like the ride. You also can take a ride in the carriage provided by the management. It cost RMB10 for a one way ride.
I booked a hostel in the farm village just beside the entrance of the attraction for one night stay. It cost me RMB30. The admission hours to the attraction is from 7 am to 6.30 pm. In fact, if I would stay longer, I would have easily entered the attraction on the second day to see the sunrise since I am staying so near to the attraction. I made a mistake booking a train back to Xian the next day at 9.15 am. I would suggest you spent at least 2 days at this attraction to see both the early sunrise and late sunset.
It was a memorable trip in a lifetime and the attraction is unusual and unique with a serene and picturesque setting.
I purchased the admission ticket at the counter and cost me only RMB62 (Nov is a low season period and thus cheaper). If you come during the high season, it would cost RMB120. At the building where the admission counter is located, you can leave your luggage bag with the counter staff for free and collected them after your visit. Pure drinking water is also provided from dispenser at the building. The admission ticket allows you free access to the attraction for a total of 3 days but you have to proceed to a camera stand to have your facial features captured for identification should you come in on a subsequent visit during the 3 days. In fact, for me, I came back on a second visit in the evening and the camera was able to identify me and allowed me free access.
The Mingsha Shan is undeniably one of the most impressive attractions in the north west of China. I came at a time in Nov when the weather is turning cold and windy and frankly speaking, I found myself unable to adapt suitably well to this dry and cold climate with temperatures fluctuating between 15 degree in the day and -2 degree at night. I had spent almost half of my life span in tropical climate and found the climate here challenging.
I was not equipped with any lip balm and blisters appeared on my lips. My epidemic lay of my skin on my thigh turned dry, reddish and itchy. I had to wear at least 3 layers of clothing when I slept at night even though the hot air-conditioner was switched on. I found myself feeling lethargic due to lack of sufficient rest and sleep at night.
But this Mingsha Shan made me forgot about my pain and discomfort when I became engrossed in the vast beauty of the attraction. The attraction was so unique and totally different form of experience from any other attractions I had been in China. It is desert type of terrain and this was my first encounter in such a terrain. I touched the sand and wondered if there was any difference between those in my country and in the desert.
I just could not imagine I am right in the middle of the Gobi Desert, in an oasis town travelled during those imperial days by the ancient Silk Road explorers during the Han, Tang and even the Yuan Dynasties. The camels riding on the dunes blended and contrasted sharply and beautifully with the vast expanse of the desert in the background just like ships and boats contrasted prominently in the vast expanse of the blue oceans. The soothing piped music and song resonated in the valleys and undulating sand dunes. I found great pleasure and relief in enjoying the music and songs throughout the exploration.
The oasis Crescent Moon Pool further enhanced the aesthetic appreciation of the whole area. It was awesome taking photographs after photographs of the oasis. I also found fun scaling up the sand dunes and enjoyed the climb.
I spent more than half a day wandering around the sand dunes. I felt lost in a wonderland while the wind caressed my face. I did not take the camel ride which cost RMB100. I supposed it is a great experience doing so if you like the ride. You also can take a ride in the carriage provided by the management. It cost RMB10 for a one way ride.
I booked a hostel in the farm village just beside the entrance of the attraction for one night stay. It cost me RMB30. The admission hours to the attraction is from 7 am to 6.30 pm. In fact, if I would stay longer, I would have easily entered the attraction on the second day to see the sunrise since I am staying so near to the attraction. I made a mistake booking a train back to Xian the next day at 9.15 am. I would suggest you spent at least 2 days at this attraction to see both the early sunrise and late sunset.
It was a memorable trip in a lifetime and the attraction is unusual and unique with a serene and picturesque setting.
Written 27 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel W
15 contributions
May 2016
Wonderful park with amazing hiking, just please don't support the camel-ride business. I've ridden camels in other places where the camels appeared healthy and well taken care of. I was excited to take a camel ride around the dunes of Mingsha Shan. Upon seeing the camel's terrible mange I was a bit turned off, but thought that perhaps by purchasing a ticket they could afford to take better care of the camels. Then I saw one of the handlers repeatedly whipping a camel in the face. The camel was screaming, I was sobbing begging them to stop. None of the handlers seemed to think anything was wrong with horrifically abusing the camels they depend upon for their livelihood. I really hope external pressure can make a difference for these camels because their current existence is pretty miserable. Certainly not something I want to support on my vacation.
Written 10 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbuna
Sydney, Australia337 contributions
This has to be the biggest rip-off in China. It is overrun with sandboarders, gliders, camel riders and RVs with no real redeeming features. If you take the path to the left or 1KM you can come out into the sand dunes and climb them without tourists and get the views of the dunes running away into the distance for free.
Written 10 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EricLo
Hong Kong, null, Hong Kong99 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
Fulfilled my wish list perfectly at a modest price!
1) To see the desert
2) Ride a camel
Plus of course see the Minsha crescent lake
Setting is well organised, a bit commercialised but acceptable.
It's sure a unique experience !
The desert is grand and the Lake is beautiful with the desert setting. In fact the lake and sand dune is formed in a very unique geographical way where underlying the sand is actually a rock hill.
Walk on the sand is interesting , sand slide is a bit unexciting even we were on the fast one. But overall, recommended if you don't have time to venture deep into the desert but want to get a glimpse of the mysterious desert!
1) To see the desert
2) Ride a camel
Plus of course see the Minsha crescent lake
Setting is well organised, a bit commercialised but acceptable.
It's sure a unique experience !
The desert is grand and the Lake is beautiful with the desert setting. In fact the lake and sand dune is formed in a very unique geographical way where underlying the sand is actually a rock hill.
Walk on the sand is interesting , sand slide is a bit unexciting even we were on the fast one. But overall, recommended if you don't have time to venture deep into the desert but want to get a glimpse of the mysterious desert!
Written 21 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I plan to visit magao grottoes, crescent lake and yardan geopark before heading to danxia rainbow mountain. How many day should i stay in dunhuang?
Written 12 February 2018
Hi. Magao grottoes took me 4 hours - 1/2 hour for the introduction movies, 2 hours for the guided tour, another hour for walking around, taking pictures and going back out to the parking area via the shuttle bus. Crescent Lake and Mingsha Shan are in the same location and I spent 3 hours there. Yardan Geopark is at least two hours away from Dunhuang so it takes a day. Don't forget the night market.
Written 12 February 2018
Hi ! Great review! Would like to ask how much the package cost - to visit the dunes, and which hotel you stayed with :)
Many thanks! :D
Written 1 May 2016
You can easily design your own tour. Cab from Dunghuang is 10 to 15 yuan. Entrance to Mingsha shan is 80 or 160 yuan. Camel rides are extra same for vehicle rentals. Figure what you like and if you want your admission ticket allows you a revisit for two more days. As far as hotels go I would chose one with breakfast included it saves a lot of time in the morning. I stayed at the Carnival Boutique Hotel and was very pleased.Don't forget about the caves and the museum is interesting.
Written 1 May 2016
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