In China there is an incredible desert full of singing dunes

In the northwestern province of Gansu, China , there are desert hills that vibrate to the sound of music . For some, it is a fascinating phenomenon, for others a little disturbing: in both cases, it is clear that we are in front of a truly special place . Located in the city of Dunhuang, the Singing Sand Dunes sing when the wind blows, producing sounds that, to the ears of visitors, come as an incredible melody.

The dunes vary in size, with the highest reaching 1,715 meters . If you look closely, the sands also take on rainbow colors , ranging from yellow and white to green and black. Given their peculiar characteristics, the 'singing dunes' have also been at the center of many legends and folk tales, even conquering Marco Polo .

The dunes, in fact, are located along the famous Silk Road , an important trade route that connected Central Asia to Europe and was used for about 1,500 years starting from the 2nd century BC. Although they are not the only ones, thanks to their position and the sounds they emanate, they are considered the most culturally significant in China.

Legends Around the Singing Sand Dunes

According to a Chinese legend, in the area where the famous Singing Sand Dunes are located there was a lake called “Crescent Moon Lake” , surrounded by sacred temples. It was the sounds of rituals and prayers coming from the temples that woke up the Yellow Dragon Prince , who was sleeping nearby in the desert. Angered by the disturbance, the dragon covered the entire region and its inhabitants with sand . It is said that the mysterious music heard among the dunes comes from the souls of those who were buried there.

Not only in China , other cultures have also created similar myths to explain the “singing” of the dunes . For example, in the Sahara Desert , some Berber tribes believe that the singing dunes are the breath of the desert spirits , while in other Middle Eastern traditions it is said that the dunes are the guardians of ancient secrets whispered by the wind.

The Scientific Explanation Behind the Famous Singing Dunes

The legend adds a magical and suggestive aura to this postcard landscape, but the real cause of the dunes' sound phenomenon can be explained through some particular physical characteristics of the sand and the conformation of the dunes themselves.

The quality of the sand grains , for example, is just one of the elements that make the dunes “sing”. Composed of fine to medium particles, their size allows for better movement and interaction between the grains. This, combined with their shape, generates different resonances and frequencies, with smooth and round grains producing more harmonious sounds.

The shape of the dunes can also influence their sound, as the slope of the surface affects the amount of interaction between the sand particles . Of course, the wind needs to be just strong enough to move the grains enough to generate the sound : in a strong wind, the dunes emit a powerful roar , while in a light breeze, the hills produce a delicate music.

Surrounding structures can also help create and amplify noise, as mountains and hills form air channels that direct wind to specific areas around dunes. As the wind churns the grains, friction is created that causes the sand to vibrate , producing sound. Additionally, air pockets between grains can act as resonating chambers that amplify sound.