Crescent Moon Lake & Mingsha Sand Dunes


Crescent Moon Lake is in the middle of Mingsha Sand Dunes and is quite literally an oasis in the desert,
the width between north and south is only 54 meters. It is really a mini lake surrounded by sand. The
Lake's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two
large sand dunes.

The formation of the lake resulted from a geological peculiarity - the north and south slopes are higher
than the east and west - and from the wind which blows from west to east. The wind initially blows in a
southeasterly direction, is then forced upwards where it rotates spirally before finally retreating in an
easterly direction. As a result, the lake has never once become silted up with sand in 1000 years.

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 cant help but marvel at the dramatic view. you have discovered the
wondrous sight of crescent lake!

Mingsha Sand Dunes is 6 kilometers south of Dunhuang City. The hill is 250 meters high, and as steep as a cliff. Tourists like to climb up the hill
bare-footed. At the hill-top they may have a bird’s eye view of the sand dunes which encircle a crystal-clear spring shaped like a crescent moon and
then slide down from the hill, accompanied by a roaring sound of the moving sand. when visitors climb up to the dunes and slide downward from
the summit, the sand can collapse with them and give out a pearl of loud sound.

Legend has it that this area was a heavily sheltered, flourishing mountain called Qingshi Mountain in
ancient time. At the foot of the mountain beside the Crescent Lake clustered many sacred temples.
Operas were shown to worship the Temple God on each temple fair. However, the deafening sounds of
celebration one year annoying the sleeping Yellow Dragon Prince in a nearby desert. The prince was
cruel, cranky and powerful. He used his magical power removed one huge sand dunes into this area and
buried all the people underground. Those souls often cry, beat drums and hit gong to complain their
mishap. Since then the Mingsha Sang Dunes became into being and the sand was made by the spirits.