Crescent Lake, Dunhuang Attractions, Dunhuang Travel, China Travel Information

Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. It is about 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) south of Dunhuang city, and surrounded by the Echoing-Sand (Ming Sha) Mountain. The Ming Sha Mountain is the east extension part of Kurutak desert. Its bulk is not high and large, 40 km from east to west, 20 km from south to north, about 100-200 meters high, and only 1758 meters for the main peak. Situated in the northern part of the Da Sha Mountain, the peak of the Ming Sha Mountain is only 1240 meters above sea, but the sand ridge is as sharp as a knife with clear edges and corners. Dunes in the forms of shield, parabola and crescent rise and fall intricately, presenting a splendid sight.

The red, yellow, green, white and black quartziferous sands are fine and slippery which sparkle colourfully. Between two sand dune hills, there is a crescent green lake mirrors in the embrace of dunes, which looks like the bright eyes of a maiden, i.e. the Cresent Spring. It is 218 meters from west to east, about 54 meters from north to south and 5 meters deep on an average. It turns along the mountain, wonderfully existing with the Ming Sha Mountain like twins. "From the early beginning sands do not fill the spring while the latter never dries". The sand mountain "recovers next day after night wind sweeping", while "the spring mirrors the moon without dust".

It has been a rare marvelous desert spectacle since ancient time. Here you can enjoy not only the rare view where an oasis meets the desert, but also some fun sand adventures, such as riding camels, ��dune surfing�� sand sliding. After climbing to the top of the dunes, from there you can��t help but marvel at the dramatic view. You have discovered the wondrous sight of Crescent Spring!

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