Crescent Spring

The Scenic Area of Dunhuang Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring is located 5 kilometers to the south of Dunhuang City. Since ancient times, the scenic area has been well known for its wonderful landscape: “Mountain and spring coexist, sand and water are in harmony.” It is honored as “One Must-See Beyond the Great Wall”. Along with Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring belong to the Two Musts in the south of Dunhuang City, which both the domestic tourists and those around the world are eager to visit.

In ancient times, Singing Sand Mountain was also called Shajiao Mountain, also known as dune Holy Sand Mountain. When tourists climb the mountain, the sand roars with the foot falling, hence Singing Sand Mountain. The sand of Singing Sand Mountain is of five colors: red, yellow, green, black and white, which is called Five-color Sand. Crescent Spring is embraced by Singing Sand Mountain and it is so named because it looks like a crescent moon. For thousands of years, the sand has surrounded the spring, and the spring has reflected the Sand Mountain, like crystal jade inlaid in the valley of the Sand Mountain. “The sand sings when the wind blows; the spring reflects the moon clearly.” It is only 10 meters between the flowing sand and the spring. In spite of the strong wind, the spring has never been covered by the quicksand. Lying in the desert, the spring water is never muddy or dry. This kind of geomorphological feature — “Mountain and spring coexist, sand and water are in harmony” — is nothing other than a wonder. There is an ancient poem: “The sky is blue and clean; The Crescent Spring is a wonderful scene. Embraced by the sand mountain, the crystal pool is enlivened by ripples green.”