In northwestern China near Dunhuаng city stretch the vast sandy landscapes. This is where China's fertile lands give way to the Great Gobi Desert.

At first glance, the desert may seem completely still. But in reality, this landscape is always changing. The wind carries millions of grains of sand, slowly reshaping the dunes and creating new patterns across their surface. Tracks can disappear within just a few hours, and after a strong wind, the landscape can look completely different.

One of the most famous places near Dunhuang is Mingshashan, also known as the Singing Sand Mountains. The name comes from an unusual natural phenomenon: when large amounts of dry sand move down the dunes, they can produce a deep, humming sound. This phenomenon, known as "singing sand," can be found in only a handful of deserts around the world.

Hidden among these enormous dunes is another remarkable place - Yuyaquan, or Crescent Lake. Just as its name suggests, this small oasis is shaped like a crescent moon and lies surrounded by sand. The striking contrast between the blue water and the desert around it has made Crescent Lake one of the most recognizable symbols of Dunhuang.

Today, people come here mainly for the spectacular scenery. But centuries ago, Dunhuang played a very different role. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Merchants, travelers, and pilgrims passed through the oases around the city on their journeys between China and Central Asia. And they carried more than just goods. Languages, knowledge, art, beliefs, and traditions also traveled along these routes.

From above, the true scale of the desert becomes clear. Waves of sand stretch toward the horizon, with one dune rising behind another.

And yet, this landscape is never truly frozen in time. The wind continues to reshape it today, just as it has for thousands of years.

Perhaps that is what makes the desert around Dunhuang so fascinating. Here, nature and history exist side by side, and among these silent dunes, traces of the ancient Silk Road can still be felt.

Video, photos and text by Stanislav Sedov, Sergey Shandin

18 September 2026