Northwest Grand Loop Tour: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring

Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: Located 5 kilometers south of Dunhuang City, about a 15-minute drive. Mingsha Mountain stretches from the Mogao Caves in the east to the Danghe River mouth in the west, spanning 40 kilometers east to west and about 20 kilometers north to south. Crescent Moon Spring is nestled within the embrace of Mingsha Mountain, creating a unique desert spectacle where sand and water coexist harmoniously. It is renowned as one of the most extraordinary sights beyond the Great Wall. Whether you're exploring the Gansu-Qinghai loop or just visiting the Hexi Corridor, this is a must-see highlight to experience the majestic beauty of the desert and the nostalgic sound of camel bells. 🕘 Opening Hours: The attraction is open from 05:00 to 20:30, with recommended visiting time of 3-5 hours. If you want to enjoy the grand starry night concert, make sure to enter the park before 20:30! 💴 Ticket Prices: Adults: 110 RMB, Half-price: 55 RMB, Free admission for children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters in height, and seniors over 70 years old. Free entry for holders of various discount certificates. ⛺ Travel Tips: When entering the scenic area, try to choose the middle gate as it is closest to Crescent Moon Spring and the sand dunes. In summer, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid the intense midday sun! 👉 Recommended tour route: Dunhuang Cultural Sculpture Park → Mingyue Square → Couple Willows → Ruins of Yaowang Temple → Yuequan Pavilion → Crescent Moon Spring → Mingsha Mountain 👉 Sand dune climbing tips: Avoid climbing the sand dunes without using the wooden ladders as it can be exhausting. Among the three wooden ladders, the middle one offers the best view for concerts; the right-side trail is shorter and gentler, leading to less crowded spots for great photos; the left-side trail is near the highest point of Mingsha Mountain, perfect for overlooking Crescent Moon Spring and watching the sunset. 👉 Desert sunset: Sunset time—around 21:00 in summer 👉 Grand concert: 21:40~23:00 👉 Fireworks show/drone performance: Specific times are subject to daily announcements 👉 Activities and reference costs: Camel riding: 100 RMB, Sand sliding: 40 RMB, Off-road vehicle: 300/600 RMB, Sand dune motorcycle: 150/340 RMB, Glider: 480/580 RMB, and helicopter rides available. 🧡 Friendly Reminder: Prepare sand-proof shoe covers or high-top shoes; Dunhuang's summer is hot and dry, so bring plenty of drinking water and take all necessary precautions for sun protection and heatstroke prevention to avoid sunburn or heatstroke. Dunhuang · Jiuquan