Crescent Spring Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
About 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) south of Dunhuang City, and surrounded by the Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Spring is a magical oasis in the desert. Having been lying among these sand dunes for hundreds 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.
Long in history and still to this day, the Crescent Spring and Echoing-Sand Mountain enjoy the title of "The Wonders of the Gobi Desert." Looking like a blue crescent moon enchasing in the desert, it gets the beautiful name "Crescent Spring." It is about 100 meters long and 25 meters wide, and has fish and water weeds that are said to be good for the health.
The formation of the magical spring
The formation of the lake resulted from a geological peculiarity - the north and south slopes are higher than the east and west - and from the wind which blows from west to east. The wind initially blows in a southeasterly direction, is then forced upwards where it rotates spirally before finally retreating in an easterly direction. Thus, the sands do not smother the spring. The sand dunes and spring accompany each other eternally in a harmonious and almost paradoxical existence.
The immortal beauty of the incredible spring
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.
The interesting story of the enchanting spring
There is a story about the lake. In the Western Han Dynasty, a general called Li Guang, together with a group of soldiers, captured a powerful and swift horse from Dawan, a western state of China at that time. When passing the Echong-Sand Mountain upon their return, the soldiers became too thirsty to continue their march. General Li drew his sword and thrust it into the side of the mountain causing water to spring forth and so formed the spring.
The three treasures
People said that the spring is rich in "iron-back fish," "seven-star grass" that are regards as three treasures of the local area with the "five-color sand" of the Echoing-Sand Mountain. The rare fish and water grass are said to be good for the health.
The surrounding attractions
Around the Crescent Spring, many attractions scatter. These spots offer incredible charm to tourists home and abroad.
The Echoing-Sand Mountain
The Echoing-Sand Mountain has been accompanied by the Crescent Spring for hundreds of years. The sand of the mountain has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. Its ridges and peaks are known to be as sharp as a knife. Stepping on the sand may change its shape temporarily, but the sand always returns its original shape the next day. Walking on the sand, one can also hear a sound that could be as light as bamboo instrument or as heavy as thunderous drums.
Enchanting scenery
The spring is surrounded by wonderful scenery, with flickering leaves of aspens and weeping willows, sweet flowers of narrow-leaved oleaster, swaying reeds and hovering wide birds.
The ancient buildings
By the spring there are buildings of the Qing Dynasty such as the Bodhisattva Temple, the Medicine God Temple etc. Old trees and green grass surround them forming a silent, ethereal landscape.
What to enjoy
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 and sand sledding. 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.
When to visit
The best time to explore the Crescent Spring is from April to October. In summer the sun is very strong so the sunscreen essential. In winter it is very cold so bring plenty of warm clothes.
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Crescent Spring
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