Crescent Spring (Yueyaquan) in Dunhuang

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The Crescent Spring (月牙泉) is located in the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山月牙泉景区) near Dunhuang (敦煌), in Jiuquan City (酒泉市), Gansu Province (甘肃省), approximately 5 kilometers south of the city. The area spans 76.82 square kilometers, with the core scenic area covering 12.79 square kilometers. Known for its unique desert landscape where a mountain spring coexists with the sand, Crescent Spring has earned the reputation as one of the most extraordinary sights in the “Outer Frontier” of China.

The Crescent Spring Scenic Area enjoys a warm temperate arid climate (暖温带干旱性气候), and is surrounded by the vast Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山), stretching from the Mogao Caves (莫高窟) in the east to Danghekou (党河口) in the west, covering a total length of 40 kilometers and a width of approximately 20 kilometers. The area is famous for its remarkable desert features, where sand dunes create a beautiful contrast with the spring’s waters.

History and Cultural Significance

The Crescent Spring is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, which has been famous since the Han Dynasty (汉代). It was originally called “Shajiing” (沙井) and later renamed “Yaoquan” (药泉) during the Tang Dynasty (唐代) before finally being known as Crescent Spring due to its crescent-shaped appearance.

Mingsha Mountain got its name during the Wei Jin period (魏晋时期) because of the sound the sands make when the wind blows over them, creating a “singing” sound, which is heard either as a natural hum or as human-generated vibrations. The sound has been recorded in various historical texts, such as Xin Tang Shu (新唐书·地理志) and San Qin Ji (三秦记) from the Eastern Han Dynasty, noting that the sound can reach up to 83 decibels.

Key Features

• Mingsha Mountain: Known for its stunning sand dunes that produce the “singing sands” sound, Mingsha Mountain offers visitors a surreal desert experience.

• Crescent Spring: A natural oasis surrounded by desert, its shape resembles a crescent moon. It is home to various unique species, including the Iron-back Fish (铁背鱼) and medicinal herbs like Seven Stars Grass (七星草).

Cultural Events

Historically, the Crescent Spring area has been a center for various cultural and traditional events. From the Han (汉) and Tang (唐) Dynasties, local people have practiced customs like dragon boat races (龙舟竞渡) and peach festivals (蟠桃会) at the spring. The annual Medicine King Temple Fair (药王庙会) is also held on the 28th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar.

Recognition and Awards

• In 1994, Crescent Spring was designated as a national key scenic area.

• In 2005, it was recognized as one of “China’s Top Five Most Beautiful Deserts”.

• In 2015, the Crescent Spring Scenic Area was rated as a National 5A Tourist Scenic Area (国家AAAAA级旅游景区), and it became part of the Dunhuang Global Geopark (敦煌世界地质公园).

Natural Geography

Location

The Crescent Spring Scenic Area (月牙泉景区), located in Dunhuang City (敦煌市), Jiuquan City (酒泉市), Gansu Province (甘肃省), lies about 5 kilometers south of the city. The total area of the scenic region is 76.82 square kilometers, with the core scenic area spanning 12.79 square kilometers.

Geology

Crescent Spring formed during the Quaternary Holocene (第四纪全新世), and is a unique freshwater spring and lake, where sand and water coexist in harmony. The formation of Crescent Spring is a result of the combined influence of both internal and external geological forces, along with hydrogeological conditions. The spring is located in a low-lying area between two alluvial fans formed by the Danghe River (党河) and Xishuigou River (西水沟), with groundwater from the Danghe River providing the water source.

The spring’s location, surrounded by Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山), is a key factor in its formation. The high regional groundwater level and the low-lying topography enable the spring’s water to surface. The geological structure in this area is loose, with a high water table contributing to the creation of Crescent Spring.

Terrain and Landscape

Mingsha Mountain stretches 40 kilometers from east to west, from Mogao Caves (莫高窟) in the east to Danghekou (党河口) in the west, with an average width of about 20 kilometers. The main peak stands at 1,715 meters above sea level. The mountain is composed of multicolored sand, including red, yellow, green, black, and white fine sand, which gives the area its distinctive appearance.

Mingsha Mountain’s dunes are shaped by various climatic and geographical factors. The mountain has an ancient geological formation with traces of old landforms, and its modern wind-sand features are evident in its shape. The area also features crescent-shaped sand ridges at the foot of the mountain. The characteristic “singing sands” are caused by the movement of quartz sand grains under the wind, creating a humming sound, with wind being the primary factor influencing this phenomenon.

Climate

The Crescent Spring Scenic Area experiences a typical warm temperate arid climate (暖温带干旱性气候). The average annual precipitation is 42.2 millimeters, while the evaporation rate is 2,505 millimeters. The average annual temperature is 9.9°C, with the highest recorded temperature at 41.7°C and the lowest at -30.5°C. The area is known for its frequent sandstorms and high winds, with east winds prevailing from April to September and northwest winds dominant from October to March. Strong winds of level 8 or higher occur 15-20 times per year, with the highest recorded wind speed reaching level 11.

Hydrology

There are two surface water systems near Crescent Spring: the Danghe River (党河) in the west and the Xishuigou River (西水沟) in the east. The Danghe River is about 4.5 kilometers from Crescent Spring and originates in the Qilian Mountains (祁连山). It is replenished by melting ice and snow. After exiting the mountains, the river flows westward, turning northeast near the Shazuo Garden (沙枣园) and eventually joining the Shule River (疏勒河).

The Xishuigou River is located to the east of Crescent Spring, about 6.5 kilometers away. This river is formed by the uplift of Mingsha Mountain and Sanwei Mountain (三危山), causing groundwater to surface and create a small stream.

Biodiversity

The Crescent Spring Scenic Area is home to diverse plant and animal life. Crescent Spring itself hosts Eyebright (眼子草) and Spirulina (轮藻) plants, while the south shore has a dense growth of reed (芦苇). The spring is also home to Iron-back Fish (铁背鱼) and the medicinal herb Seven Stars Grass (七星草).

In 2025, the water levels at the southern shore of Crescent Spring were measured at a depth of 3.8 meters, with the water surface covering an area of 31.73 acres, marking the highest levels recorded in over 20 years.

Scenic Area Layout

The Crescent Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山月牙泉景区) in Dunhuang City (敦煌市), Jiuquan City (酒泉市), is accessible via three entrances: the Central Gate (中门), East Gate (东门), and West Gate (西门). The East Gate is located at the International Exhibition Center (国际会展中心) on Wenbo East Road, while the West Gate is situated 3 kilometers west of the Yuequan Township (月泉小镇) along the Landscape Avenue (景观大道).

The scenic area is divided into six distinct regions: Yuequan Bay Scenic Area (月泉湾景区), Singing Sand Slope Scenic Area (响沙坡景区), Shallow Hill Scenic Area (浅丘景区), Gobi Desert Scenic Area (戈壁景区), Sand Dune Experimental Scenic Area (沙丘实验景区), and Sand Dune Chain Scenic Area (沙丘链景区).

Key Attractions

Mingsha Mountain

Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山), approximately 40 kilometers long from east to west and 20 kilometers wide from north to south, has a main peak that reaches an elevation of 1,715 meters. The mountain is known for its colorful sands, including red, yellow, green, black, and white sand, which accumulate into what is called the “Five Color Sands.” The shape of Mingsha Mountain resembles the majestic pyramids of ancient Egypt, with a brilliant golden hue and towering grandeur.

The mountain is bordered by Sanwei Mountain (三危山) to the east, Heishifeng Mountain (黑石峰山) to the south, and the Gobi Desert (戈壁) and Kumtag Desert (库姆塔格沙漠) to the west. The strong winds from the west and north carry sand particles which settle due to the mountain’s obstruction, gradually forming the unique “singing” sands of Mingsha Mountain.

Crescent Spring

Crescent Spring (月牙泉) is a crescent-shaped freshwater spring located within the embrace of Mingsha Mountain. The spring, which appears like a new moon, is formed under specific geological conditions, including loose soil structures, low-lying terrain, and high regional groundwater levels. The combination of geological forces, flowing water, and wind created this natural marvel, where desert sand and mountain spring water coexist in harmony, earning it the title of the “First Spring of the Desert.”

As of November 2022, Crescent Spring spans 8,200 square meters, with a length of 242 meters from east to west and a width of up to 50 meters from north to south. The average water depth is around 1.5 meters, with the deepest point reaching 2.2 meters.

Folk Custom Museum

The Folk Custom Museum (民俗博物馆) was established in 1988, covering an area of 4,300 square meters. Its architecture follows the style of ancient fortress buildings. The museum showcases Dunhuang’s folk architecture, lifestyle, and traditional culture. The exhibits reflect the region’s modern and historical production, religion, and culture, providing insight into the folk customs of Dunhuang.

Husband and Wife Poplar Trees

The Husband and Wife Poplar Trees (夫妻柳) were planted in 1971 and consist of two intertwining drought-resistant poplar trees, symbolizing a loving couple. They have withstood harsh conditions in the desert for many years. In 1997, a sandstorm broke the trees at their roots. However, after dedicated care, the trees revived, growing stronger and more vibrant, symbolizing the resilience of love and nature.

Medicine King Temple Ruins

The Medicine King Temple Ruins (药王庙遗址) were discovered in the 1990s. A wooden stele uncovered at the site confirmed it was built during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (嘉庆二十三年) in 1818, dedicated to the revered medicine figure Sun Simiao (孙思邈). The temple featured a brick cave with a structure now collapsed. The ruins contain remnants of sculptures and carvings, but due to preservation concerns, the site has been backfilled for protection.

First Spring Stele

In the summer of 1995, Wang Licheng (王立成) and his family donated funds to create a natural stone stele, standing 2.6 meters tall and 0.7 meters wide. The stele, inscribed with the words “First Spring” (第一泉) on the front and “Love Dunhuang” (爱敦煌) on the back, was erected beside Crescent Spring, adding a historic landmark to the site.

Mingsha Moon Plaza Archway

The Mingsha Moon Plaza Archway (鸣月广场牌坊) was built in 1994, designed in the ancient architectural style of the Tang and Song Dynasties. The structure features a “Bagua” shape, with a pair of doves soaring at the top. The archway has inscriptions by notable calligraphers, including Qi Gong (启功) and Shen Peng (沈鹏), as well as poems written by Wang Jifu (汪济夫). The overall design gives the archway a grand and majestic appearance.

Other Highlights

In addition to the scenic spots, Crescent Spring Scenic Area offers several adventurous activities for visitors, such as camel rides across the desert, sandboarding, desert motorbiking, dune buggies, helicopter rides, and gliding. These activities offer an exciting way to explore the majestic desert landscape and experience the thrill of the Silk Road.

• In May 2025, the Camel Riding Digital System (大漠乘驼数字化系统) will be launched for a more immersive experience.

• Visitors can enjoy a serene camel ride while listening to the ringing bells, stroll across Mingsha Mountain, and admire the ancient Silk Road (丝绸之路) and breathtaking landscapes.

• For the more adventurous, sandboarding offers an exciting descent from the mountain’s slope.

• You can also explore the desert by self-driving sand bikes or off-road vehicles, enjoying the desert’s thrill.

• Helicopter or glider rides offer a bird’s-eye view of the desert oasis, giving visitors the chance to witness the spectacular full panorama of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring.

These experiences provide a multi-faceted way to enjoy the beauty of the desert and the cultural heritage of Dunhuang.

Development and Protection

In 1985, the average water depth of Crescent Spring (月牙泉) was only 0.7 to 0.8 meters, with a sandbar emerging in the center, causing the spring to lose its crescent shape. In 1986, Dunhuang City (敦煌市) established the “Crescent Spring Restoration Office” to carry out the “Love Dunhuang, Restore Crescent Spring” initiative. Over 90,000 RMB was donated by various sectors of society. After an analysis of the reasons behind the decreasing water levels, experts decided to implement emergency measures such as “water replenishment” to restore the spring. They cleared sediment, diverted water from the Dang River (党河) into a sedimentation pool, and used pipelines to feed water directly into Crescent Spring. This intervention successfully raised the water depth to 4.2 meters, though the water became murky.

In July 1988, Dunhuang City established the “Dunhuang Crescent Spring Scenic Management Office,” bringing the area under official management and protection. In 1992, ancient buildings such as the Listening to Thunder Pavilion (听雷轩) were constructed. By 1997, additional structures like Yuequan Pavilion (玉泉阁) were also built.

In 1999, the water level of Crescent Spring continued to drop, with the lakebed becoming exposed, putting the spring at risk of drying up. Starting in 2000, Dunhuang City implemented emergency measures to replenish the water, such as recharging groundwater from surrounding rivers, temporarily preventing the spring from drying out. By the end of 2006, with a loan of 20 million RMB from the China Development Bank (国家开发银行), emergency measures for water replenishment commenced. These measures included various strategies like water conservation, replenishment, and diversion.

In 2007, the provincial government issued the “Dunhuang Ecological Environment and Cultural Heritage Protection Plan.” A total of 70.81 million RMB was invested in the management of Crescent Spring to stabilize its water levels. In March 2008, part of the water replenishment project was launched, with measures such as building water collection and diversion facilities. By March 16, 2008, the water level began to rise at a rate of 3 to 4 cm per day, and by March 30, it had increased by 51 cm. Over the following months, the water level continued to rise.

As a result of these efforts, from 2009 onwards, the water level of Crescent Spring remained relatively stable, with the average depth ranging from 1.1 meters to 1.5 meters and the water area reaching 8,000 square meters.

In 2011, the State Council (国务院) approved the “Dunhuang Water Resource Rational Utilization and Ecological Protection Plan (2011-2020).” The “Crescent Spring Water Restoration Project” was one of the eight major projects under this plan. In 2013, the Chinese government (中国政府) approved the “Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area Master Plan (2010-2025).” The plan focused on ecological resource protection, scenic appreciation, landscape conservation, tourism facilities, and environmental protection.

As visitor numbers to the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山月牙泉景区) continued to grow, the area around Crescent Spring was fenced off to prevent tourists from climbing near the core area. Special climbing zones were established on the eastern slope of Mingsha Mountain.

In October 2016, the Crescent Spring Water Restoration Project (月牙泉恢复补水工程) began construction and was completed in July 2018. After three years of operation, the water level steadily increased, with the average depth rising from 1.35 meters to approximately 1.6 meters.

In 2021, the Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area began the construction of East and West Gates (东门、西门) according to the “Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area Master Plan.” The total investment for this project was approximately 542 million RMB. The project included the construction of a visitor center, restrooms, landscaping, parking lots, and other supporting facilities.

On July 31, 2022, the East Entrance Visitor Center (东出入口游客中心) of the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area officially opened, marking significant progress in the area’s infrastructure. On August 1, 2022, the East Gate started trial operations, and with the continuous improvement of infrastructure, the West Gate was also opened. The opening of both gates provided ample space for the development of new tourism services and business opportunities in the area.

Events Held

In June 2020, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山月牙泉景区) in Jiuquan City (酒泉市) launched a series of promotional activities titled “Beautiful Scenic Area, I Am an Advocate.” These activities included distributing informational materials, creating an engaging atmosphere, and conducting environmental cleanup efforts to raise public awareness about ecological and environmental protection.

In September 2024, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area launched the “Endless Desert, Moonlit Night” series of events to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) with local Dunhuang characteristics, providing tourists with an unforgettable experience.

On October 10, 2024, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area hosted the closing ceremony of the 2024 Annual Starry Sky Concert (万人星空演唱会), an event attracting thousands of visitors.

Honors and Recognition

• In November 1991, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area was designated a provincial-level scenic area by Gansu Province (甘肃省) and was ranked among the “Top 40 Tourist Destinations in China” by the National Tourism Administration (国家旅游局).

• In 1994, it was included as part of the third batch of National Key Scenic Areas (国家重点风景名胜区).

• In 2001, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area was awarded the AAAA National Tourist Area (国家AAAA级旅游景区) status.

• In 2003, the area received the ISO14000 Environmental Quality System Certification and ISO9001 Management Quality Certification.

• In March 2012, it was approved as a Gansu Provincial Geological Park (甘肃省级地质公园); in April of the same year, it was named “China’s Best Natural Scenic Travel Destination.”

• In December 2012, it was also recognized as an advanced unit in spiritual civilization construction by Gansu Province.

• In 2014, it was honored as “China’s Most Beautiful Moon Viewing Spot”.

• In 2015, it was awarded as a National Civilized Unit and National 5A Tourist Scenic Area, and became part of the Dunhuang World Geopark.

• In 2016, it was designated as a National Ecotourism Demonstration Area by the former National Tourism Administration (国家旅游局) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection (环境保护部).

• In November 2017, it was once again awarded the title of National Civilized Unit, and in December, it was recommended as a National Service Industry Standardization Pilot Unit.

• In 2020, it was included in the Top 100 Brands of 5A Tourist Areas by the National Tourism Administration.

• In November 2021, it was selected as a National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base.

• In September 2022, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area was included in the Top 100 Beautiful Destinations in Gansu list.

• In December 2022, it was named a National Popular Science Education Base by the China Association for Science and Technology (中国科学技术协会) for the 2021-2025 period.

• In April 2023, it was listed among the Second Batch of National Model Units for Civilized Tourism.

• In November 2024, the Starry Sky Concert held by the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area received the Outstanding Case Award for its project titled “Wings of Culture, Chips of Creativity.”

Tourist Information

Opening Hours

The Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area is open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Ticket Prices

• During peak season, the adult ticket price is 110 RMB, with a discounted rate of 55 RMB.

• From December 1, 2024, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area will offer free admission to all domestic and international tourists as part of a winter-spring tourism promotion initiative, running until February 28, 2025.

Transportation Routes

• Train: There are two main train stations in Dunhuang: Dunhuang Railway Station and Liuyuan Station. Dunhuang Railway Station is located about 10 kilometers east of the city center, and visitors can reach it by bus, taxi, or hotel shuttle services. Liuyuan Station, located on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway (兰新铁路), offers direct routes to major cities such as Shanghai (上海), Beijing West (北京西), Xi’an (西安), Chengdu (成都), Lanzhou (兰州), Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), and more. From Liuyuan Station, travelers can take a bus to Dunhuang city center.

• Air: Dunhuang Airport is located 13 kilometers east of the city. Visitors can take an airport shuttle, taxi, or bus to the city center. The airport shuttle operates three times a day at 09:00, 14:00, and 21:00, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Local buses stop 500 meters west of the airport entrance, and city buses start from Silk Road Yiyuan Hotel (丝路怡苑大酒店).

• Long-Distance Bus: The Dunhuang Long-Distance Bus Station offers routes to several provincial and out-of-province cities such as Jiayuguan (嘉峪关), Jiuquan (酒泉), Lanzhou (兰州), Xi’an (西安), Hami (哈密), Turpan (吐鲁番), Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), and Golmud (格尔木).

Local Transportation

• Taxi: The starting fare for taxis in Dunhuang is 5 RMB, with additional charges based on the meter.

• Bus: Dunhuang has limited bus routes, with only three lines operating. To reach Mingsha Mountain, visitors can take Route 3 which stops at various locations, including Moqi Factory, Water Company, Shazhou Amusement Park, Dunhuang Hotel, and Mingsha Mountain (月牙泉). Buses run every 10 minutes or so.