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Crescent Moon Lake

 Dunhuang Attractions

Shanhaiguan Great Wall Introduction to Crescent Moon Lake (月牙泉)

Crescent Moon Lake, is called “ancient manhole”, “generic drug springs” in ancient times. Since the Han Dynasty it was one of the "Dunhuang Eight Sceneries " , named as "Yue Quan Xiao Che."Crescent Lake is 100 meters long from north to south, the width from east to west is 25 meters.Bending as crescent, hence the name, it is called the "Desert first spring” .

About 6 kilometers south of Dunhuang and surrounded by the Echoing Sand Mountain, Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. 

It is surrounded by the Echoing Sand Mountain, Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. Some say it reminds them of the eye of a beautiful woman, lucid, beautiful and amorous. Some say it looks like the mysterious, gentle and seductive lips of a pretty woman, or a slice of lush, sweet and crystal cantaloupe. 

Actually, it resembles a crescent fallen down into this desert. Having been lying among these sand dunes for thousands of years, although given many surprise attacks by sandstorms, Crescent Spring still gurgles clear, and still remains worthy as the first spring in the desert.Research has discovered that in this special crescent landform the wind created this depression, as the cross-ventilated theory states, the falling sands from the surrounding mountains would be sent back to the other side of nearby Echoing-Sand Mountains. 

Thus, the sands do not smother the spring. And this particular earth movement keeps the sand dunes and spring eternally in a harmonious and almost paradoxical existence.

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 can't help but marvel at the dramatic view. You have discovered the wondrous sight of Crescent Spring!

Shanhaiguan Great Wall


Dunhuang, Gansu Province

Shanhaiguan Great Wall

Travel Information

Admission Fee: 120 Yuan

Opening Hours: 6:00AM - 8:00PM

Shanhaiguan Great Wall

Main Sights

Echoing Sand Mountain, Crescent Lake,

Shanhaiguan Great Wall

Travel Tips 

1. The best months to visit are between June and August.

Shanhaiguan Great Wall

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