Why is Mingsha Mountain called this name?

Mingsha Mountain is named after the sound of sand.

Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang, Gansu Province is a rare wonder. This sand dune rises from the ground, about 100 meters high and about 5 kilometers wide. Here, the sand dances with the wind, forming a cover that looks like a sand dune at first glance, but feels more like steel. This unique sandy texture makes the sand in Mingsha Mountain different from other sand grains.

When climbing along Mingsha Mountain, no matter where you step, sand will ring at your feet and corners. This phenomenon can be attributed to the sound produced by sand friction. The hotter the weather, the louder the sound.

Singing sand is a natural phenomenon, often distributed in beaches or deserts. The porous structure formed by sand grains constitutes the sand-singing cavity, which is the key factor of sand-singing. Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang is a pyramid-shaped sand dune, and with unique natural conditions such as topography and climate, it can make sounds.

The ancient legend of Mingsha Mountain:

According to ancient legends, the couple in Mingsha Mountain-Liu's daughter-in-law and Chen San. During the period of going out to work, Liu's daughter-in-law was rescued by Chen San, and the two began a sincere emotional story. But Liu Popo has always opposed being together. One day, she arranged for Liu's daughter-in-law to marry another person at the banquet.

At this time, Chen San heard the news that Liu's daughter-in-law was forced to get married. He put down his tools, boarded Mingsha Mountain and blew his whistle, hoping to pour out his thoughts to Liu's daughter-in-law through Mingsha Mountain. When the whistle reached Liu's daughter-in-law, she left the banquet without hesitation and ran to Mingsha Mountain. The two finally met again in Mingsha Mountain and were happily together.

This legend has been circulated for hundreds of years and gradually became one of the sources of the name of Mingsha Mountain. Before the Spring Festival every year, there will be a unique whistle music performance here, which will become a must-see attraction.

Mingsha Mountain not only attracts people with its peculiar sandy characteristics and beautiful scenery, but also is cherished for its historical legends. The story of Mingsha Mountain is entrusted with love and strong belief, expressing people's beautiful yearning for a better love and a better life.