Crescent Moon Spring (Dunhuang)

Updated: 2013-11-02
( dunhuangtour.com )

Crescent Moon Spring is 6 km south of Dunhuang in the Singing Sand (Mingsha) Mountains and is quite literally an oasis in the desert. The spring’s name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect.

The Singing Sand Mountains are famous for the sounds the wind makes when blowing over the dunes. Also, the sand is said to be rather noisy when tread upon. The dunes are also famous for their size, some reaching 100 meters or more, relatively stable despite the fact that the dunes beyond the mountains shift frequently. Also, the sands are said to regain form overnight if tread upon the day before.

A man and his daughter enjoy themselves at the Crescent Moon Lake resort in Dunhuang, Gansu province. Sand has filled in large parts of the lake. [Photo / Xinhua]

Tourists ride camels on the Mingsha Sand Dunes during a visit to Crescent Moon Spring on the outskirts of Dunhuang, Gansu province June 9, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

A man leads a group of camels on the Mingsha Sand Dunes near Crescent Moon Spring on the outskirts of Dunhuang, Gansu province June 9, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

A general view of Crescent Moon Spring surrounds by sand dunes on the outskirts of Dunhuang, Gansu province June 9, 2011. About 200 meters long and 50 meters wide, the Crescent Moon Spring sits near the Mingsha Mountain. Picture taken June 9, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]