Desert Adventure | Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Travel Guide

| Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Travel Guide. Hey, travel lovers! Want to experience the amazing scenery of the desert and spring coexisting? Then come to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in Dunhuang. Save this travel guide! Pre-trip Preparation • Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card. With the ticket, you can enter the park multiple times within 3 days with your ID card. Just scan your face at the gate when you leave the park~ • Clothing: Light-colored long sleeves are sun and sand-proof, wide-leg pants are super flowy for taking pictures, and lightweight sneakers are the best choice. Don't wear mesh shoes, as sand will get in! Arrange magic headscarves, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF50+) for sun protection and photo props. • Other items: It is also recommended to prepare sand-proof shoe covers. Although some sand will get in, it is better than nothing. Also, bring a large-capacity water cup, as it is important to replenish water in the desert! Transportation Guide • Bus: Bus No. 3 can take you directly there. The ticket price is CNY 3. The first bus departs at 6:30am. You can also enjoy the scenery along the way by bus, which is super cost-effective. • Taxi: It takes about CNY 15 and about 20 minutes from Dunhuang city center, which is convenient and fast. • Self-driving: Navigate directly to the scenic parking lot. The parking fee is CNY 10/day, but don't trust the "wild tour guides" who solicit customers on the roadside. Ticket Information The ticket price is CNY 110/person. Make an appointment in advance on the "Dunhuang Tourism" official account, which can save you queuing time. Especially during the peak season, when there is a lot of traffic, it is necessary to make an appointment! Things to Do 1. Riding a camel: Be a chic "desert cowboy" 🐫. It is recommended to choose the morning session from 6:30am to 8:00am, which can not only avoid the midday sun, but also watch the sunrise along the way. The camel team will pass through the "desert S-bend". Ask the leader to help you take a picture of the "camel bell back view", which is super cinematic. Secretly, the camel raises its hind legs first and then its front legs when it gets up. If you can't sit still, it's like riding a "desert roller coaster". Remember to hold on to the handrail and don't laugh~ 2. Crescent Spring: The "tears of magic" in the desert are like a sparkling blue gem. The golden time for taking pictures is 1 hour after sunrise (7:30am - 8:30am). The light is soft. Use the wide-angle lens of your mobile phone to take pictures of Crescent Spring and its reflection, which is as beautiful as a crescent-shaped eyelash. The twilight blue tone moment (7:30pm - 8:00pm) is also amazing. The sky changes color, the reeds sway, which is suitable for taking silhouettes. Climb to the top of the small sand dune on the south side of the spring, and you can also take a panoramic view of Crescent Spring, avoiding the crowds on the north bank. 3. Desert Camping: • Lazy version: Directly rent the scenic spot's "starry sky tent", CNY 150/tent, which also includes a sleeping bag. In the evening, participate in the bonfire party and learn to dance the Dunhuang dance with the locals, which is full of atmosphere. • Hardcore version: Bring your own tent to the "no-man's land in the back mountain" (remember to report in advance), bring local apricot skin water in a thermos cup, and lie on the moisture-proof mat to count the meteors. The light pollution here is almost zero, and you can clearly see the "spiral arm" of the Milky Way, which is simply a paradise for star chasers. Hidden Things to Do 1. Sand Therapy Experience: In the "Sand Therapy Area" on the north side of Mingsha Mountain, rent a straw mat for CNY 20 and bury your legs in the 40°C hot sand (remember to pad a towel to prevent burns). After 15 minutes, your knees will feel warm, which is said to be able to remove dampness. 2. Sand Dune Sliding: You can rent a sandboard in the scenic area for CNY 30/time. Choose a sand dune with a slope of less than 70°, such as the west side of Crescent Spring. It is more stable to sit and slide, but remember to wear a mask, otherwise you will really "eat sand". 3. Cultural and Creative Check-in: Before leaving the scenic spot, visit the "Dunhuang Gifts" store and take home a "Crescent Spring-shaped" luminous glass pendant (CNY 58) or a DIY sand bottle painting (CNY 30/bottle), and pile up a camel team pattern with sand, which is super memorable. Food Recommendations • Inside the scenic area: There are snack stalls. It is recommended to try "Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles", CNY 25/portion. The yellow noodles are strong, and the donkey meat soup is rich. One bite is super satisfying. • Bring your own snacks: Choose individually packaged ones, such as beef jerky and energy bars. Eat them as soon as possible after opening, otherwise the sand may come to "steal" them. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Don't wear a scarf when riding a camel, as the reins may wrap around your neck. Safety first! 2. Don't use flash when taking pictures of the starry sky, as it will startle the camels and other tourists. Use the "night scene mode" of your mobile phone to take beautiful starry sky photos. Hey, travel lovers, pack your bags and come to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring to start a romantic and exciting desert trip ✨