Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Desert Activities: Helicopter, ATV, Camel Riding, and More!

The Mingsha Desert, also known as the Singing Sand Dunes, is a captivating desert located in Dunhuang, China. The desert offers stunning landscapes with towering sand dunes that reach heights of up to 250 meters, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors. Covering an area of approximately 40 square kilometers, it is famous for its unique phenomenon where the sand emits a musical sound when disturbed.

The Mingsha Desert has become a fun recreational site to enjoy many desert activities such as camel riding, ATV driving, helicopter riding, sand sliding, and more. It’s also a photographer’s paraside for desert photos. It’s popular to dress up for the famous Dunhuang “Feitian” or flying asparus which are depicted in the Mogao caves. You’ll see photographers up early at sunrise or at sunset snapping pics!

I recommend 1 full day, or going for 2 half days. It gets really hot during the day, so I went for the later afternoon and evening one night, then the next morning.

1. Mingsha Mountain
2. Crescent Lake Temple
3. Desert Activities
   1. Camel Riding
      1. Camel Traffic Lights
   2. ATV (Four-wheeling)
   3. Helicopter
   4. Take Desert Photos

Mingsha Mountain

You can hike up Mingsha Mountain to get a view overlooking the Crescent Spring from above. The hike can be tiring, especially on the steeper dunes, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water!

Crescent Lake Temple

The temple near Crescent Lake in Dunhuang is commonly referred to as the Crescent Lake Temple or Yueyaquan Temple. This Buddhist temple is situated in close proximity to the Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to the scenic desert landscape. The temple has historical significance and is believed to have been established during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD).

Desert Activities

Camel Riding

Camel Traffic Lights

Have you ever seen a Camel Traffic Light? Here in Dunhuang you will! Since the camels will cross through some pedestrian areas, they have created these lights to help pedestrians know when to cross.

ATV (Four-wheeling)

For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) provide an adrenaline rush as they navigate the sandy terrain. You will be accompanied by one of their staff, who will give you a (quick) tutorial on driving the vehicle before letting you take the reins! On the way back he will drive for you, which is when I used my Insta 360 to take some photos and videos.

Helicopter

A helicopter ride offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the expansive desert and the Crescent Lake below. It cost me 600 RMB for this ride (about 5 minutes – it is quick, but it was such a unique experience to me that I felt it was worth it!)

Take Desert Photos

And of course, another great activity is to just take photos around the sand dunes! Dunhuang is a popular place for photographers and visitors who want some cool desert shots.