Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake
In Chinese, Echoing-Sand Mountain, also known as Mingsha Shan, is located five kilometers from Dunhuang. The mountain is like a golden dragon weaving its way across the horizon from afar. As you go closer, you notice that the sand is a variety of hues, ranging from red to yellow, green, black, and white. When there is a strong wind, the fast-moving sand roars, but when there is only a faint breeze, the sand emits soothing, dulcet sounds like music. When you're falling down the slope, it's the same thing. The sand beneath your boots first murmurs, but the more you slide, the louder the sound becomes until it reaches a crescendo like thunder or a drum beat. Some people say the sand is singing, while others, it is like an echo, and this is how the mountain gets its name.
You might be wondering why the sand creates such a variety of noises. According to mythology, a commander and his army came here to battle in a war against their foes in ancient times. A massive gust of wind covered all the soldiers in the sand, building the sand mountain, as they were engaged in violent combat. At the height of the conflict, the men continued to fight beneath the sand. As a result, the sound you're hearing is supposed to be the troops' roar. The actual reason is the friction and static caused when the wind changes the sand or you fall down the hillside.
Echoing-Sand Mountain surrounds crescent Lake. The lake's water is so clear and delicious that it resembles an emerald embedded in the sand. According to historical documents, the lake has existed for hundreds of years without being buried by sand; it is a geological miracle. There is also a legend around the lake. During the Western Han Dynasty, Li Guang and a troop of men seized a powerful and speedy horse from Dawan, a western Chinese kingdom. The soldiers felt too thirsty to continue their march after passing the Echoing-Sand Mountain on their way back. General Li drew his sword and thrust it into the side of the mountain, causing water to spring forth and so formed the lake.
Echoing-Sand Mountain has been designated as an important national scenic area. It may be climbed on foot or, if preferred, on the back of a camel. There is also the option of having a sand bath treatment. Your stay is complete when you take in the magnificent scenery of golden beaches, a massive mountain, a quiet lake, and a stunning sunset.
