Crescent Lake, a dazzling pearl in the desert

Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake is located 5 kilometers southwest of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, at the northern foot of Mingsha Mountain. It resembles a crescent moon embedded in the yellow sand. After thousands of years, the sand does not cover the spring, and the spring never dries up. It is praised as "one of the unique sceneries beyond the Great Wall." 🕘【Opening Hours】Peak season (April 1 - October 31) 05:30 - 21:30, off-season (November 1 - March 31) 07:30 - 19:30. Recommended visit time is 3 - 5 hours. You can choose to visit in the early morning or evening. In the morning, you can enjoy the magnificent desert sunrise, and in the evening, you can experience the dreamy scene of the sunset glow shining on the sand dunes and Crescent Lake. Note that there are more tourists during the peak season, so plan your trip in advance. 💴【Ticket Price】Full price ticket is 110 RMB per person, with no recent price changes. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the official scenic area website or major travel platforms to save queuing time on-site. The scenic area also offers some package deals, such as those including camel riding, which you can choose according to your needs. ⛺【Activities】 Camel Riding: This is a must-try activity at Crescent Lake. Ride a camel slowly along the sand dunes, listen to the crisp camel bells, and feel the unique charm of the desert journey. The camel caravan winds along the sand dunes, as if traveling back to the ancient Silk Road. Please follow the camel handler’s instructions and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling the camels. Sand Sliding: Slide down the tall sand dunes on a board at high speed, with the wind rushing past your ears and the sand slopes rapidly retreating before your eyes, providing an exhilarating experience. After sand sliding, you can admire the full view of Crescent Lake up close and feel the strong contrast between the desert and the clear spring. Viewing Crescent Lake: Stroll along the wooden boardwalk and appreciate the gentle curves of Crescent Lake from different angles. Under the sunlight, the spring water glistens, contrasting beautifully with the golden sand dunes around, creating a picturesque scene. At the edge of the spring, you can also capture stunning photos of the sand dunes, blue sky, and white clouds reflected in the water. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Bus: There is a tourist shuttle bus from Dunhuang city center directly to Crescent Lake Scenic Area, with a fare of about 3 - 5 RMB. The operating hours match the scenic area’s opening hours, but the frequency is limited, so pay attention to the schedule. Taxi: Taking a taxi from Dunhuang city center to Crescent Lake costs about 20 - 30 RMB. It is convenient and fast, suitable for visitors with tight schedules or larger groups. Self-driving: Set your navigation to Crescent Lake Scenic Area. The scenic area has a parking lot with a fee of about 10 - 20 RMB. Self-driving allows more freedom in planning your trip, but be mindful of road conditions in the desert area and check your vehicle beforehand. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】Nearby: After visiting Crescent Lake, you can go to the nearby Mogao Caves to appreciate the charm of thousand-year-old Buddhist art. You can also visit Dunhuang Ancient City to experience the style of ancient northwestern towns. For accommodation, Dunhuang city offers various types of hotels, such as Dunhuang Mountain Villa, which has a strong northwestern style, and cost-effective budget hotels that are convenient for travel and rest. 🧡【Preparation Before the Trip】 Sun Protection Gear: The desert has strong sunlight, so be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun-protective clothing to avoid sunburn. Footwear: It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or desert boots for easy walking on the sand. Water Supplies: Prepare enough drinking water as the desert climate is dry, and timely hydration is very important. You can also bring some fruits, which can quench thirst and provide vitamins.