Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: A Desert Wonder

In the southern suburbs of Dunhuang City at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, there is a natural wonder known as “the most beautiful scenery outside the plug”-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring. Here, surrounded by sand mountains and springs reflecting sand mountains, the golden sand dunes make a pleasant “ringing’ when the wind blows, while the crescent-shaped clear springs have not dried up in the desert for thousands of years. The two depend on each other, forming a rare scene of “sand does not fill the spring, the spring does not dry up”.. As one of the core landmarks of Dunhuang cultural tourism, it is not only a member of the “Five Most Beautiful Deserts in China” selected by National Geographic of China, but also the “fountain of life” in the hearts of business travelers on the ancient Silk Road. Nowadays, it has become a must-visit place for countless tourists to pursue the customs of the Northwest Desert. ​

1. Core overview: The miracle of the desert that has not dried up for thousands of years​

Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area has a total area of about 32.3 square kilometers, and the core landscape consists of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Mingsha Mountain is about 40 kilometers long in the west and about 20 kilometers wide in the north and south, with a maximum altitude of 1,715 meters. The mountain is formed by the accumulation of quartz sandstone particles. The vibration caused by the friction and collision of sand particles will make a “buzzing” sound when the wind blows or people slip, so it is called “Mingsha Mountain”., Its ringing phenomenon is known as “one of the four major ringing sands in the world”. ​

Crescent Spring is located in a low-lying area at the northern foot of Mingsha Mountain. It is named after its shape like a crescent moon. The spring is about 300 meters long from east to west and 50 meters wide from north to south. The average water depth is 1.5 meters, and the deepest part can reach 5 meters. Although it is located in the hinterland of the desert, the spring water is crystal clear all year round, the water quality is sweet, and it has not dried up for thousands of years. This is due to its unique geological structure-the bottom of the spring is a pressurized water layer, and the “circular depression’ formed by the surrounding sand dunes blocks the intrusion of quicksand. At the same time, the groundwater continues to be replenished, creating this desert “Oasis of life’. Historically, Crescent Spring was once a rest and supply point for business travelers along the Silk Road. The ancient buildings such as the “Medicine King Temple” and “Dragon King Temple” by the spring have witnessed its deep integration with humanistic history. ​

2. Geographical location: a desert landmark in the south of Dunhuang City​

Mingshashan Crescent Spring Scenic Area is located 5 kilometers south of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. Its geographical coordinates are between 94°40′-94°45′ east Longitude and 39°50′-39°55′ north latitude. It is located on the eastern edge of the Kumtag Desert, about 5 kilometers east from Dunhuang City, about 90 kilometers west from Yumenguan, and about 90 kilometers south.It is adjacent to the branches of the Qilian Mountains and the Dunhuang Oasis to the north. It is the core node of the Dunhuang Cultural Tourism Circle (Mogao Grottoes-Mingsha Mountain-Yueyaquan-Yumenguan-Yangguan). ​

From the perspective of regional transportation, the scenic area is close to National Highway 215 (Liuge Expressway), about 13 kilometers from Dunhuang Airport, about 12 kilometers from Dunhuang Railway station, and about 6 kilometers from the center of Dunhuang City (including the Pipa statue). The surrounding transportation is convenient. It takes only 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from Dunhuang City Center.A popular choice for short trips to Dunhuang. ​

3. Transportation guide: Easy to reach in multiple ways​

(1) External arrival method​

1. Airplane travel：​

• It can fly to Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (IATA Code: DNH). The airport is about 13 kilometers away from the scenic area. Routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Lanzhou, Urumqi, Chengdu and other cities have been opened. Flight time: About 1.5 hours from Lanzhou, about 2.5 hours from Xi’an, and about 2.5 hours from Beijing.The departure takes about 4.5 hours. ​

• Airport transportation: There is a taxi (about 30-40 yuan /car, which takes 25 minutes) directly to the scenic area outside the airport; you can also take the airport bus (15 yuan /person, 30 minutes) to Dunhuang City (Shazhou Night Market station), and then transfer to a bus or take a taxi to the scenic area. ​

2. Train / high-speed rail travel：​

• Dunhuang Railway Station is the main railway hub, about 12 kilometers away from the scenic area. At present, general-speed trains to Lanzhou, Xi’an, Urumqi and other cities have been opened. It takes about 12-14 hours from Lanzhou to Dunhuang and about 20 hours from Xi’an to Dunhuang. The Dunhuang branch of the Lanxin High-speed Railway has been planned for construction, and will achieve direct high-speed rail in the future. ​

• Station transportation: The railway station can take bus No. 3 (2 yuan/person, 40 minutes) directly to the entrance of the scenic area; or take a taxi (about 25-30 yuan, 20 minutes) to get there, carpool (10 yuan/person) is more affordable. ​

3. Travel by car：​

• Recommended route: Starting from Dunhuang City, follow Yangguan Middle Road to Mingshan Road and drive south. The whole journey is about 5 kilometers and takes 15 minutes. There are clear signs “Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area” along the way; Starting from Jiayuguan, follow the G30 Lianhuo Expressway to the G215 Liuge Expressway, the whole journey is about 370 kilometers., It takes 4.5 hours; from Qinghai Lake, follow G109 to G215, the whole journey is about 600 kilometers, which takes 7 hours. ​

• Parking lot: There is a large ecological parking lot outside the main entrance (North gate) of the scenic area. The fee for cars is 10 yuan /time and for buses is 20 yuan / time. During the peak season (April to October), there are sufficient parking spaces, and payment by scanning the code is supported, making it easy to leave the venue. ​

4. City transportation：​

• Bus: Take bus No. 3 in Dunhuang City (starting point: Dunhuang Railway Station, ending point: Mingshashan Crescent Spring Scenic Area), 2 yuan /person, departure interval of 15 minutes /shift, operating time 6:30-21:00, suitable for tourists with a limited budget. ​

• Taxi / carpool: Taking a taxi from the city to the scenic area is about 15-20 yuan (5 kilometers), carpool (3-4 people) is 5 yuan / person, and the cost of taking a taxi at night (after 20:00) has slightly risen (about 25 yuan), which is the most convenient mode of transportation in the city. ​

(2) Internal tour transportation​

1. Camel riding：​

• The most distinctive internal mode of transportation in the scenic area, from the entrance of the scenic area to the foot of the sand dunes near Crescent Spring, the whole journey is about 3 kilometers, the riding time is 40-50 minutes, and the cost is 100 yuan /person (including camel rental fee and service fee for camel drivers), each team of camels is about 5-6 peaks, led by a professional camel driver.Guided, you can enjoy the desert scenery along the way and experience the feeling of a “silk road caravan”. ​

• Note: You need to follow the guidance of the camel-holding person before riding, sit firmly and support yourself. It is forbidden to make loud noises or stand at will on the camel. After the ride, you can tip the camel-holding person appropriately (voluntary). ​

2. Sightseeing car：​

• The scenic area provides electric sightseeing vehicles, which are about 2 kilometers from the entrance to Yueyaquan Square. The one-way fare is 10 yuan / person and the round-trip fare is 20 yuan / person. The operating hours are the same as the opening hours of the scenic area (6:00-22:00). It is suitable for tourists with limited physical strength or in a hurry. The stations are located at the entrance, Yueyaquan Square,Core locations such as sand skiing areas. ​

3. Walking / off-road motorcycle：​

• Walking: The interior of the scenic area is mainly a walking tour. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the entrance to Crescent Spring Square. The sand dunes along the way are gentle and you can stop and take pictures at any time. It is suitable for tourists who like to experience the desert in depth.；​

• Off-road motorcycles: Off-road motorcycle rentals are available in designated areas of the scenic area. They are 150 yuan / 30 minutes (single car) and 200 yuan / 30 minutes (double car). They need to be driven by a professional instructor. It is suitable for young tourists who pursue excitement. They can gallop through the sand dunes and feel the fun of desert off-road. ​

4. Tickets and open information: a clear and transparent ticket purchase guide​

(1) Ticket price​

• Adult ticket: 110 yuan /person in the peak season (April 1st-October 31st), 55 yuan /person in the low season (November 1st-March 31st of the following year ), the ticket is valid for 3 days and can enter the park multiple times (fingerprints need to be entered at the exit, and ID cards are required the next day). + Fingerprint admission). ​

• Preferential policy：​

• Ticket-free people: children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters tall (inclusive), elderly over 70 years old (inclusive) (with ID card), persons with disabilities (with disability card), active-duty soldiers (with officer card / soldier card), veterans (with veteran card), Dunhuang CityLocal residents (with ID card, limited to off-season)；​

• Half-price group: minors aged 6-18 (inclusive), full-time undergraduate and below students (with student ID card), 60-69 years old (with ID card), half-price 55 yuan /person in peak season, half-price 27 yuan / person in low season. ​

• Ticket purchase method: You can purchase tickets online through the scenic area’s official WeChat account “Mingshashan Crescent Spring” (real name is required, and ID card is swiped to enter the park), or you can purchase tickets on-site at the scenic area ticket window (ticket points are available at the North Gate and East Gate), during peak seasons (especially May 1st, National Day, Etc.).Summer vacation) It is recommended to purchase tickets online 1 day in advance to avoid on-site queuing; tickets valid for 3 days need to enter your fingerprint when you enter the park for the first time, and then enter the park with your fingerprint + ID card. ​

(2) Opening hours and best time to visit​

• Opening hours: Peak season (April-October）6:00-22:00（21:00 Stop entering the park), off-season (November-March）7:00-20:00（19:00 Stop entering the park), the scenic area is open all year round, and there is no closing day (except for special weather). ​

• Best time to visit：​

• Early morning (6:30-8:30): Before and after sunrise, the desert temperature is cool and the sun is soft, which is suitable for climbing sand mountains and photographing the sunrise. At this time, the shadows of the sand dunes are rich in layers and the photo output rate is high.；​

• Evening (18:30-20:30, peak season): At sunset, the setting sun dyes the sand dunes golden and red. The artistic conception of “the desert is lonely and smoky, and the long river is full of sunset” is displayed here. At the same time, it can avoid the high temperature in the afternoon.；​

• Night (20:00-22:00, peak season): The scenic area is open at night, you can enjoy the desert starry sky, there is lighting around Crescent Spring, and you can also experience “desert camping” (advance reservation required) to feel the tranquility of the desert night. ​

5. Must-visit attractions and featured experiences​

(1) Highlights of core attractions​

1. Crescent Spring and surrounding ancient Buildings：​

• Core point of view: Crescent Spring is shaped like a crescent moon, with clear spring water. It is surrounded by ancient buildings such as “Medicine King Temple”, “Dragon King Temple” and “Yuequan Pavilion”. Among them, Yuequan Pavilion is an iconic building of Crescent Spring. It was built in the Qing Dynasty. The three-story pavilion is reflected in the spring water, forming a ‘spring’.The classic picture of ‘Yinglou Pavilion’. There is also a wooden plank road by the spring, where you can see the spring water up close and feel the vitality of the “desert oasis”. ​

• Check-in points: Yuequan Pavilion (photographed in the same frame as the pavilion), the ”First Spring’ stone monument (an iconic stone monument by the spring, you must take pictures as a souvenir), and the Medicine King Temple (learn about the ancient desert medicine culture). ​

2. Mingsha Mountain Sand Dunes Group：​

• Features: Mingsha Mountain consists of a number of sand dunes. Among them, ‘Shaling Qingming” is one of the eight views of Dunhuang. Visitors can climb the sand dunes (it is recommended to choose the sand dunes on the east side with a slower slope). After reaching the top, you can overlook the panoramic view of Crescent Spring and the vistas of Dunhuang City. When descending, the sand dunes will make a “ringing sound’.”, experience the fun of ”sand skiing and listening to the sound’. ​

• Check-in points: the main peak of Mingsha Mountain (1715 meters above sea level, the best location for panoramic views), sand skiing area (experience sand skiing, cost 20 yuan /person, sand skiing board is provided), camel riding route (take the silhouette of the “Desert Camel Team”). ​

3. Dunhuang Flying Sculpture and Desert Art Museum：​

• The “Dunhuang Flying Sky” sculpture at the entrance of the scenic area is about 10 meters high. It shows the image of flying sky in the Dunhuang murals and is an iconic check-in point for the scenic area. The Desert Art Museum displays desert-themed sculptures and paintings, which are free and open to learn about the combination of desert culture and artistic creation. ​

(2) Featured experience projects​

1. Desert camping：​

• Time: It is open every night during the peak season (April-October). Reservations must be made in advance through the scenic area’s official website or travel agency. The fee is 200-500 yuan /person (including tent accommodation, dinner (barbecue), breakfast, desert starry sky explanation, bonfire party). ​

• Features: Set up a tent in the desert, sit around a campfire at night to enjoy the starry sky, a professional guide will explain the knowledge of constellations, you can also experience desert KTV, roast whole sheep and other projects, watch the sunrise on the sand dunes in the early morning, and experience desert life in an immersive way. ​

2. Sand skiing and desert off-road：​

• Sand skiing: In the designated sand skiing area of Mingsha Mountain, take a wooden sand ski to descend from the top of the sand dunes. The cost is 20 yuan /person. The “ringing’ of the sand dunes can be heard during the descent. It is suitable for parents, children and young tourists.；​

• Desert off-road: In addition to off-road motorcycles, the scenic area also provides a desert off-road vehicle experience (800 yuan /car /hour, limited to 4 people), driven by a professional driver, through the sand dunes and ravines, feel the excitement of desert off-road, suitable for multiple people traveling together. ​

3. Photography style：​

• Recommended scenes: take the sunrise at Crescent Spring in the early morning (on the east side of the Moon Spring Pavilion), take the silhouette of the desert camel team in the evening (camel riding route), and take the desert starry sky at night (sand dunes away from the lights). It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens (for panoramic views of the sand dunes), a telephoto lens (for details of crescent Spring), and a tripod (Starry sky shooting, time-lapse photography), you need to occupy a seat in advance during the peak season to avoid the flow of people affecting the shooting. ​

6. Practical precautions: swim in Shaquan safely and comfortably​

1. Sunscreen and sand-proof wear：​

• Sunscreen: The scenic area is located in a desert with extremely strong ultraviolet rays. You need to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a mask (anti-sand), apply sunscreen with SPF50+ or more (it is recommended to apply it once in 2 hours), wear long-sleeved trousers (anti-ultraviolet + anti-sand particles rubbing against the skin), and carry a sunscreen shawl (sunshade and sandproof)；​

• Shoes: Wear high-top sports shoes or desert boots (to prevent sand particles from entering the shoes), avoid sandals or slippers, and there are shoe covers for rent at the entrance of the scenic area (10 yuan /pair, reusable) to protect shoes from entering the sand. ​

2. Hydration and replenishment recommendations：​

• Hydration: The desert climate is dry, and you need to replenish water at any time. It is recommended to bring 1.5-2 liters of mineral water (the price in the scenic area is 5-8 yuan/bottle, the price is higher), and you can drink light salt water or sports drinks in moderation to avoid dehydration.；​

• Supplies: There are a number of food stalls and restaurants in the scenic area, offering Dunhuang specialties, such as donkey meat yellow noodles (30 yuan /serving), lamb steamed hamburger (40 yuan /serving), apricot skin water (10 yuan /cup, anti-heat artifact), you can also bring your own dry food (such as bread, bread, etc.).Chocolate, fruits), but you need to pay attention to the garbage to be taken away and protect the desert environment. ​

3. Safety and environmental protection guidelines：​

• Safety: When climbing sand dunes, you need to pay attention to your feet, avoid slipping (non-slip shoes are recommended), and do not enter undeveloped areas at will (there may be a risk of quicksand); when riding camels, follow the instructions of the camel leader and do not leave the team alone; camping at night needs to be in a designated area and do not go out without authorization.；​

• Environmental protection: littering is prohibited (the desert ecology is fragile and garbage is difficult to degrade). There are sorting trash cans in the scenic area, which can put garbage into designated containers; it is forbidden to wash hands, feet or discard debris by the spring to protect the quality of crescent spring water; it is forbidden to paint or graffiti on the sand dunes, and violators will face fines. ​

4. Other practical tips：​

• Time planning: It is recommended to reserve 4-6 hours for the tour, enter the park in the early morning or evening, and avoid the high temperature in the afternoon (12:00-16:00) (the surface temperature of the desert can reach more than 50℃ in summer)；​

• Carrying items: In addition to sunscreen products, you can carry wet wipes (wipe sweat and sand), small backpacks (with belongings), and power bank (there are fewer charging facilities in the scenic area) to avoid carrying valuables (to prevent sand damage)；​

• Accommodation recommendations: You can stay in Dunhuang City (around Shazhou Night Market). There are many hotel options. The per capita cost of economical hotels is 150-200 yuan /night, and the per capita cost of medium and high-end hotels is 300-500 yuan / night, and the catering is convenient. If you experience camping, you can live directly in a tent in the scenic area without having to travel to and from the city. ​