Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake

Located in Dunhuang, Gansu, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake are truly a miracle in the desert. From the top of Mingsha Mountain, you can overlook Crescent Lake, which lies quietly in the embrace of the sand dunes, resembling a crescent moon. It's quite mysterious—how does Crescent Lake, surrounded by the arid desert, remain unfazed and never dry up for thousands of years? The golden sand dunes and the green Crescent Lake resemble a wise eye in the desert. A must-try activity at Mingsha Mountain is camel riding. This was the best camel ride I've ever experienced—comfortable seating (with soft padding on the saddle), a long journey lasting nearly an hour, and a genuine feeling of traversing the desert. The wind and sand at the mountain's summit are intense, giving you a real sense of the harshness of the desert environment. It's best to wear a face mask and shoe covers for protection.