 Crescent
Moon Spring is 6km south of Dunhuang in the Singing Sands 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 100m 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.
Activities in the dunes include camel riding (RMB30-50, but bargain!),
dune paragliding (RMB20, Foreigners are asked to pay RMB50, don't!)
and sand sledding (RMB10). Climbing the dunes is tiring and especially
sweaty in the summer. There are wooden stairs to the top of the
dunes for a small fee. Most people visit the dunes in the evening
so as to avoid the hot sun!
How to get there: Minibuses from Dunhuang will cost only RMB3
and a taxi will only set you back RMB 15 one way.
Opening hours: The evening is the most popular time to visit.
Costs: Entry fee of RMB20.
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