Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Walking on sand, walking on water

Here is a detailed guide to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: 1. About the scenic area: • Mingsha Mountain: Named for the sound of the sand, the mountain is over 40 km long from east to west and about 20 km wide from north to south, with a main peak of 1,715 m above sea level. • Crescent Spring: Surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, the spring is named for its crescent shape. The water is clear and the scenery is beautiful. 2. Recommended route: • Recommended route: Visitor Center → Mingyue Square → Ceramic Road → Couple Willow → Yaowang Temple Ruins → Ironback Fish Park → Mingyue Pavilion → Crescent Spring. The entire route takes about 3 hours on foot, or you can take a sightseeing bus. 3. Opening hours: • Scenic area opening and ticketing hours: 05:00–20:30 (subject to seasonal changes). 4. Ticket information: • Free admission: From December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring will be open to the public for free, but real-name reservations are required. 5. Transportation: • Bus: Take Bus No. 3 from the city center to the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring scenic area. • Taxi: A taxi from Dunhuang city center to the scenic area costs CNY 10–15 per person. • Self-driving: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring is about 5.4 km from Dunhuang city center, about a 15-minute drive. 6. Reminders: • Sun protection: The sun is strong in Dunhuang, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection. • Hydration: Remember to stay hydrated while in the scenic area.