159828Crescent Moon Spring and Echoing-Sand Dune, Dunhuang City, China Travel Guide

159828

Crescent Moon Spring and Echoing-Sand Dune, Dunhuang City, China Travel Guide

Crescent Moon Spring and Echoing-Sand Dune, Dunhuang City, China (月牙泉鸣沙山 , ทะเลสาบพระจันทร์เสี้ยว)

Crescent Lake also known as Yueiya Lake (月牙泉, Crescent Moon Spring) and Whispering Sand Dune (鸣沙山, Echoing-Sand Dune), is located in Dunhuang County. Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China. This Lake is an oasis in the middle of the desert. The miracle of this lake is that The shape of the lake is a natural crescent shape, not human manipulation, and the water in the lake is clear all the time. never frustrated because of any sandstorm or sand dust Locals believed that the water in Crescent Lake would be so clear and never run dry.

The sand dunes surrounding the Crescent Lake Often when people pass by I could often hear conversations whispering all around me. But looking back, no one was there. This makes this sand dune known as the Whispering Sand Dune.

It has been proven that the whispers coming from the Whispering Dunes are in fact the sound of the wind blowing through the sand. The surrounding area itself with the special terrain and wind in this area making while the wind blows the sand back and forth There will be such a sound phenomenon.

In addition, the special characteristics of the terrain and the wind It is also the reason why the water in Crescent Lake is crystal clear all the time. Because the wind has carried the sand dust up above the lake all the time causing no sand dust to fall into the lake and become a lake surrounded by sand dunes instead

Crescent Lake is believed to be at least 2,000 years old. It is the only oasis in the desert surrounding Dunhuang, which was the first entry point for trade who traveled on the Silk Road to trade in China and was the last checkpoint to rest and replenish supplies For the caravan to travel from ancient China to the western region.

Even in the era after the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD), the Silk Road would lose its popularity due to the threat of war. But Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes never lacked people. Because this place is still important as an oasis for people who live in this area until 1990, the average depth measured in the lake from 5 meters was reduced to 0.9 meters, causing the Chinese government to enter. Come play a role in maintaining and replenishing water to maintain this crescent-shaped lake until now.

Traveling to Dunhuang County

Dunhuang District is located in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province. Dunhuang District, therefore, has both domestic airports and other public transport services to choose from, namely

Jiayuguan City–> Dunhuang County

Jiayuguan City is located 372 kilometers away from Dunhuang County . take a plane came down to Jiayuguan City and continue to travel to Dunhuang County by choosing the service

Train: Visitors can take a standard train from Jiayuguan City to Dunhuang County. The journey time is 4 hours – 5½ hours, which traveling by train is a journey that tourists are very popular with. Travelers can check train times and book tickets online at http://www.12306.cn/mormhweb/ (Chinese) or https://english.ctrip.com/trains/ (English)
By bus: it only takes 3½ – 4 hours to travel from Jiayuguan City to Dunhuang County, and there are several departures per day to choose from. Therefore, it is another journey that tourists are popular with.
Public car/taxi: Another trip that is equally popular. because it is the most comfortable journey And tourists can also negotiate with public taxis and get advice for excursions. In addition, tourists can request a service from anywhere in the city or request a service from their hotel.

Lanzhou City–> Dunhuang County

Lanzhou City is capital city of Gansu Province It is about 1,096 kilometers from Dunhuang County. Therefore, tourists can choose to travel in many ways, namely

Airplane: The Dunhuang District Airport is only 13 kilometers east of the center of the district, making it extremely convenient to fly to Dunhuang District. And it is also considered the fastest way to travel as well.
Train: tourists can choose to use the service. both standard trains and high-speed bullet trains The journey time for standard trains is 12½ – 16 hours, while the journey time for high-speed bullet trains is 6½ – 7½ hours. Both trains offer several daily departures. Therefore, it is another journey that is popular with tourists. Travelers can check train times and book tickets online at http://www.12306.cn/mormhweb/ (Chinese) or https://english.ctrip.com/trains/ (English)
Bus: Due to the distance of more than 1,000 kilometers, the bus journey from Lanzhou City to Dunhuang County takes 17-24 hours, which is suitable for travelers who like to take a long break during the journey. There are also travel rounds to choose from several times a day.

Trip to Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes

Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes Located about 6 kilometers south of the center of Dunhuang County, it is a popular tourist destination. There are several ways to travel, for example:

Taxis start at only 5 yuan, which is a convenient journey and is very popular among tourists.
Public Bus From Dunhuang District, tourists can take public bus No. 3 from downtown. and get off at the stop in front of the entrance to Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes. The service fee is only 1 yuan/person.
Bicycle is another popular travel for travelers who love adventure travel and exercise. In which tourists can ride along the same path that cars and public buses travel. Some hotels in Dunhuang District may offer bicycles for tourists to use at no additional cost.

Opening and Closing Time:

Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes Open for tourists to visit every day from 6.00 – 19.30 hrs . Subject to change depending on season and climate.

Admission Rate: Ticket Vending Machine

Tourists who visit the Crescent Lake Passes to both attractions can be purchased for 120 yuan/person in May-October, which is peak season, and half-price, 60 yuan/person for November-April, which is considered off-season.

Sightseeing at Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes

Tourists who have already purchased the admission pass Access to Crescent Lake and Whispering Sand Dunes can be chosen at the ticket office. There is a way to travel to choose from.

On foot: From the entrance, visitors can walk along a concrete road surrounded by sand. Finally, at Crescent Lake, surrounded by Whispering Sand Dunes. Or you can walk on the sand beside the road as well.

Electric train: small electric train service for tourists There is a running path on a concrete road from the entrance. before dropping off tourists at the end of the road near Crescent Lake The round trip fee is 20 yuan/person or 10 yuan/person/trip.

There are also activities to tour the Whispering Sand Dunes and the surrounding area. That is very popular with tourists is

Camel ride is a sightseeing activity using camels and guides of Whispering Dunes. There is a camel ride from the entrance to the other side, about 4 kilometers in total. The fee is 100 yuan/person/camel and 120 yuan for adults and children under 140 cm in height on a camel.

This camel ride has a specific route around Whispering Sand Dunes not far from Crescent Lake. The total distance is 4 km.