Crescent Lake (Yueyaquan) and Singing Sand Mountain (Mingshashan) is a iconic 5A-level desert scenic area in Dunhuang, Gansu, famed for the rare coexistence of sand dunes and a spring.
Basic Info
Location: 5 km south of Dunhuang city, at the edge of the Tengger Desert.
Singing Sand Mountain:
Size: 40 km (E-W) long, 20 km (N-S) wide; main peak 1,715 m above sea level.
Sand: Composed of five-colored sands (red, yellow, green, black, white).
Singing Phenomenon: Sand makes sounds like musical instruments or thunder when wind blows or people slide down.
Crescent Lake:
Shape: A crescent-shaped spring, 100 m long, 25 m wide, max depth 5 m.
Names: Ancient “Shajing” (Sand Well), “Yaoquan” (Medicine Spring); current name since Qing Dynasty.
Miracle: For thousands of years, sand has never buried the spring, and the water remains clear.
Highlights & Visiting
Landmarks: The lake’s ancient pavilions (e.g., Yueya Pavilion) against the sand dunes.
Activities: Camel riding, sandboarding, and watching the sunrise/sunset over the desert.
Tickets & Hours:
◦ Peak (May–Oct): CNY 120; Low (Nov–Apr): CNY 60.
◦ Hours: 8:00–17:00 (seasonal adjustments).
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and capture golden light.
