Dunhuang also prides itself on its natural beauty. Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain are charming spots for one to appreciate the landscape of Dunhuang.

Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain

Cresent Lake and Mingsha Mountain (Source: www.agdfz.com)

Six kilometers south of Dunhuang City, Crescent Lake is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain. It is in fact an oasis in the desert. Its name is derived from the crescent shape the small lake has formed between two large dunes. Surprisingly, although the air is very dry, the lake never dries up. It is known as the “No.1 Spring in the Desert”.

Mingsha Mountain is well-known for the sounds the sand makes when the wind blows over it. It is said the sand will make louder sounds when being treaded upon. The dunes comprising the mountain are famous for their size, some reaching 100m or more. One interesting attribute is footprints left on the mountain will disappear completely in a day.

Activities on Mingsha Mountain include camel riding (RMB30-50), dune paragliding (RMB20) and sand sledding (RMB10). Climbing the mountain is hard work and it can make one very sweaty, especially in the summer. There are wooden stairs to the top of the mountain.

How to get there: Minibuses from Dunhuang will cost only RMB 3, and it takes you RMB 15 by taxi.

When to visit: The evening is the most popular time (in order to avoid the hot weather). Admission fee: RMB 20.

If you want to visit Dunhuang, the following tips will help.