Baishashan Desert Scenic Area in Burqin County, Altay

Baishashan Desert Scenic Area is located in northern Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, along the S232 highway from Burqin to Kanas. About 40 kilometers from downtown Burqin, it is a distinctive desert stop for travelers heading toward Kanas. More than a dozen rolling sand dunes stretch for over 10 kilometers. The sand is fine, soft, and strikingly white, while wind erosion has sculpted the dunes into smooth, wave-like forms that appear silvery white under the sunlight.

The area is also known as a Mingsha Mountain, or “Singing Sand Mountain,” because the sand can produce a distinctive humming or singing sound when it slides beneath your feet. This rare silvery-white desert landscape in northern Xinjiang creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding Gobi grasslands, forests, and river valleys. Most travelers visit Baishashan as a convenient stop along the way from Burqin to Kanas rather than making a separate trip specifically for the attraction.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The continuous stretches of silvery-white sand dunes are the main attraction. The dunes rise and fall in layers, with some reaching a relative height of more than 100 meters. From a distance, they resemble a giant silver dragon lying across the Gobi grasslands. Climbing to the top of a dune opens up expansive views of white sand, Gobi terrain, and the low mountains and grasslands in the distance. In the early morning and around sunset, soft light falls across the ridges, creating beautifully defined patterns of light and shadow that are especially attractive for photography.

Sandboarding and Desert Activities

Sandboarding is one of the signature experiences at Baishashan. Slide down the steep face of a high dune and listen to the distinctive sound produced by the moving sand, offering a fun way to experience the area's famous singing-sand phenomenon.

For a more adventurous experience, desert off-road vehicles can take visitors deep into the dunes, climbing and descending the undulating sand ridges for an exciting taste of desert driving. Camel rides are another popular option. Riding across the sea of sand accompanied by the sound of camel bells provides a classic desert experience and is particularly suitable for taking desert-themed portrait photographs.

Walking Through the Sand Dunes

Visitors can also simply walk through the dunes and enjoy the landscape at a slower pace. Walking barefoot allows you to feel the fine white sand beneath your feet, while getting closer to the dunes reveals the delicate textures and patterns created by wind erosion.

Baishashan focuses mainly on desert recreation, outdoor activities, and landscape photography, rather than historical or cultural attractions. It is a rare opportunity to experience a silvery-white desert landscape along the northern Xinjiang travel circuit. After visiting, travelers can continue north toward Kanas and Hemu, without needing to return to Burqin.

Tickets and Opening Information

The scenic area charges an entrance ticket, while desert off-road vehicles, camel rides, and sandboarding equipment are additional paid activities that can be purchased according to your interests. During the peak season, the general opening hours are 09:30–18:30, while operating hours may be adjusted during the off-season.

For visitors who want to experience the activities as well as take photographs, it is recommended to allow approximately 2–3 hours.

The desert has extremely strong ultraviolet radiation and can be very windy and sandy, so adequate sun and wind protection is essential. The sand can become extremely hot, so avoid spending long periods walking barefoot around midday. Do not venture deep into the dunes alone. In summer, take precautions against heat and bring an extra jacket because temperatures can vary considerably between day and night. Ordinary two-wheel-drive passenger cars should not be driven deep into the desert, as they may become stuck in the sand.

How to Get There

Self-driving or a private/chartered vehicle is the only practical way to reach Baishashan. From Burqin County, follow the S232 north toward Kanas. Roadside signs mark the entrance to the scenic area, and a basic parking area is available. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes from Burqin.

There is no direct public transportation to the scenic area. Baishashan is usually incorporated into a road trip from Burqin to Kanas as a convenient stop along the way. After visiting, travelers can simply continue north toward Kanas without returning to Burqin County.

When planning your route, be careful not to confuse Baishashan in Burqin County with Baisha Lake (Baishahu) in Habahe County. They are located in different counties and are relatively far apart.

Best Time to Visit and Photograph

The best times for photography are shortly after sunrise and during the 1–2 hours before sunset. Side lighting highlights the smooth ridgelines and flowing contours of the dunes, creating strong textures and layers in photographs.

Try to avoid the intense heat and direct overhead sunlight around midday. The sand can become very hot at this time, making walking and outdoor activities considerably less comfortable.

Travel Tips

Supplies at the scenic area are limited, so it is advisable to bring sufficient drinking water, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a face covering in advance. Because mobile phone reception can become weak deeper inside the dunes, it is best to travel with companions and avoid entering remote, unoccupied desert areas alone.

If you are short on time, you can simply visit the main dunes for sightseeing and photography without participating in every paid activity. This is enough to appreciate the distinctive contrast between the silver-white desert, Gobi grasslands, and surrounding northern Xinjiang landscapes.