Adventure Guide to Mingsha Mountain: A Wild Encounter of Sand and Spring

Pre-Trip Essentials

Mingsha Mountain experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, and the UV radiation is intense. Be sure to prepare the "three essentials for sun protection": high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses. For sand-proof shoe covers, it's recommended to purchase thick ones online, as those rented at the site tend to be slippery and uncomfortable. A lightweight backpack is a must, packed with 1.5 liters of water, energy bars, and wet wipes, as sand can easily seep through the seams of crossbody bags. If you plan to camp and stargaze, also bring a lightweight down jacket and a tripod.

Core Adventure Routes

1. Morning Conquest: Start at 5:30 AM from the east gate's wild sand area and climb to the top in the dark, following the footprints of others on gentle slopes to save energy. At 6:30 AM, the golden-red sunrise breaks through the sand, and the sand grains resemble crushed moonlight. Running barefoot at this time won't feel scorching.

2. Camel Trek: At 8:00 AM, ride a camel along the ancient trade route. Hold onto the saddle firmly as the camel caravan moves slowly, and avoid touching the camel's hump to prevent it from shaking its head. The journey includes two stops, where camel handlers charge 20 yuan for photos. It's recommended to discuss the composition in advance.

3. Extreme Sand Sliding: At 4:00 PM, experience sand sliding on steep slopes in the wild sand area. Use a 5-yuan cardboard provided by the site or rent a sandboard. The moment the wind rushes past your ears, it feels like flying over the sand.

4. Chasing Light at Dusk: At 7:00 PM, climb the wooden stairs of the main sand ridge and wait quietly as the sunset stretches the shadows of the camel caravan into long lines. The sand gradually turns orange-red, making it the perfect time to capture silhouette shots.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

The sand-proof shoe covers sold at the entrance are prone to tearing; going barefoot provides better grip. Avoid using selfie sticks while riding camels. After sand sliding, climb back up the dunes in a zigzag pattern to save energy. Sand can get stuck in charging ports, so prepare a sand-proof cover for your phone.

Post by Calfsunny | Aug 2, 2025