desert oasis

Known admiringly as ‘First Spring in the Desert’, Crescent Spring in Dunhuang is situated at the foot of Mingsha Mountain (part of, named after, and typical of the surrounding Singing Sand Dunes). Seen from afar, Crescent Spring resembles a crescent moon, hence its name. A legend goes that the Seven Star Grasses, with specialized properties for curing difficult and complicated diseases, grow at Crescent Spring, and those who eat them will live forever, therefore, the Crescent Spring is also called ‘Medicinal Spring’. Location: at the foot of the Singing Sand (Mingsha) Mountain Open: 6am–7:30pm Typical touring time: 1–2 hours Best seasons: May to October