Brief  Introduction:The Echoing sand dune and crescent lake are located in the south of  Dunhuang city 6 km . In 2015 it’s approved as national 5A level tourism attraction. Actually they are two different spots, but they stay together at the same area for thousands of years.The lake has been surrounded by the sand dune for thousands of years, butit has never been buried by the sand dune. Throughout  the ages it is famous forthe wonderful scenery of “coexistence of mountain and spring and symbiosis of sand and water”, which is known as ”one of the most unique scenery along thesilk road”. Local people would like to compare them as a deep lovely couple.

The sand dune actually is the east streching edge of Kumutag desert,which is the sixth largest desert in China. In dunhuang area the sand dune extends from east to west 50 km and from south to north 25km. Why is it called echoing sand dune? When many people slide down together from top to bottom of sand dune, the special sound will be made because of great friction among sand grains. Sometimes the sound is as strong as thunder, sometimes it is as light as music instrument. So  local people call it echoing sand dune or singing sand dune.

The crescent lake is a natural spring, which is 218 m long from east to west and 55 m wide now . The deepest point is 5m. Because the shape of lake looks like a crescent moon, it got the name crescent lake. The crescent lake has never been dry .There are three treasures in the lake, which are iron-backed fish ,five colored sand and seven stared grass. It is said that eating iron backed fish and seven stared grass will be helpful to longevity. Compared with old time, the water level of the lake is going down. So in order to save the lake, the policy of three prohibition was carried out, which prohibits opening new land,digging wells and immigranting.

In ancient time this area was also a very important station along the silk road . Many caravans and travelers would be here to carry more food and water after worshipping the Buddha from Mogao grottos which were excavated in the cliff of eastern sand dune.Nowadays it is a very popular tourists attraction.

The Level: National AAAAA tourists attraction

Admission fee:110 yuan RMB (Apr. 1—Oct.31), 55 yuan RMB(Nov. 1—Mar.31)

SellingTickets Time: 06:00-19:30 (Apr.20--Oct.31),07:00-19:00（Mar.10--Apr.19）,

                                     08:00-18:00(Nov.1--Mar.9)( All reference from 2019)

Better Seasons to Visit: March—November

Visiting Time Normally:1.5-3 hrs (depending on your interest)

Visiting Tips: 1, Depending on the weather, watching sunrise and sunset in the desert might be a nice choice. You should manage the timing by yourself. Prepare more clothing if possible and necessary because in the early morning and late night the temperature here will go down quickly.

2, It is totally a natural scenic spot, where you have more flexible time to do more interesting activities, such as climbing the hills, sand-slide, camel ride, sand buggy ride, ultralight  and helicopter experience. So you had better leave enough time for this area if you have more interests on them and do not forget more cash if you want to enjoy more activities. If you need more cash,you may try the ATM near the tourists center.

Here are the general price of these items for reference.(Unit: yuan RMB/person)

Camel ride :100, sand-slide: 20, electric car20(round trip),sand buggy :120-200, ultralight: 380-580, sand jeep :300-500 yuanRMB /jeep, helicopter: 1700-2000 yuan RMB/helicopter.

3, In hot summer you had better prepare enough water although some shops are there . The radiation of the sun ray and ultraviolet are quite strong here, so carrying some anti-ultraviolet clothing and sun scream is strongly suggested.  Meanwhile depending on the detailed weather, mask and umbrella are necessary to prepare or you can buy them in the street shops over there.

4, As you are climbing the sand dune, tourists are not allowed to go anywhere they want. Tourists should follow the instructions of the scenic spot and do their activities within the scope of climbing sanddune prescribed by the scenic spot. Do not try “adventure” alone in the desert,so as not to leave you in dangerous condition.

5, As doing a camel ride, you should obey the arrangement of the camel driver or tour guide. Do not be so close to camel’s buttock. Do not feed or tease the camel randomly. It is not allowed to use umbrella and selfie stick when you are riding a camel in order to avoid to frighten the camels. Please take care of your belongs(wallet,camera,scarfetc) well when you are on the camel back. Do not drop something down because camels are probably frightened to run.

6, During summer holiday (from July to August),it will be the highest season for dunhuang. A lot of tourists are coming for this spot. Traffic jam happens very often, even camel ride jam . Do not suggest you coming here in this season. Please try to avoid the time if possible.

7, The entrance ticket of the echoing sanddune and crescent lake can be valid for three days. The important thing is that your finger print  or your own picture must be recorded in the computer or camera by the exit when you will depart from this area at the first time.

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