Crescent Lake in Dunhuang｜A Desert Crescent Embraced by Mingsha Mountain

Hidden within the embrace of Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Lake is named for its shape resembling a new moon and is a rare wonder in the desert! It’s super convenient to get there, just a taxi ride under 20 minutes from the city center. 🎫 Tickets & Transportation Tips - The full-price ticket for the scenic area is 110 RMB. The sightseeing shuttle covers a short distance, so you can choose whether to take it based on your needs; - During peak season, there are large concerts and fireworks shows at the foot of Mingsha Mountain. It’s recommended to enter the park in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset and then experience the lively atmosphere; after late October, the temperature drops quickly at night and concerts are likely canceled, so visiting in the morning is more comfortable. If you’re not doing entertainment activities, half a day is enough. 📸 Key Tips for Great Photos - To capture the blue Crescent Lake, be sure to climb up from the left side of Mingsha Mountain (next to the concert area), which is farther from the lake; - If you climb up near the sand sliding area, the water will reflect the sand dunes behind, resulting in a sandy yellow color, making it hard to capture the clear blue lake effect. 💡 Travel Suggestions After visiting Crescent Lake in the morning, if you have time, you can return to your hotel to rest. You won’t feel rushed for an afternoon flight, making your itinerary very flexible!