We stopped by after arriving in Dunhuang and took the electric transport to the moon pool. The boardwalk only extends part of the way to the lake, so be prepared to walk on the sand. The place was full of visitors, to visit the adjoining temple and activities (sand sledding, camel riding and more), but the sand dunes were impressive. Go prepared with a scarf or mask and hat in case its very windy as it was when we were there.

The Crescent Spring is a minature oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan desert. It seems a wonder of nature to be nestled amid the high sand dunes. This area is easily reached by taking Bus # 3 from the town center. The admission fee to the Mingsha Scenic Area includes access to the Minsu Folk museum and the crescent spring. It is impossible to see Crescent Spring without seeing these other attractions, as the oasis is in the dunes. The cost of entry to all attractions was RMB120.

On entry to the attraction, I would advise renting thermal footwear for RMB15. This reduces the uncomfortable feeling of sand in your footwear and also has the benefit of protecting your feet from the hot sand and it is much easier walk in the sand with the shoe covers. The main central area is Mingyue Square, where you will see camels to your right. Walk slightly to your right across the sand to get to the main boardwalk, as this saves the time of walking the long route on the cart path to your left. Walk straight ahead on the path, ensuring that you stay on the sidewalk to avoid the many electrical carts. On reaching the f&b area, turn right and walk a short distance and the oasis will come into view.

The crescent moon pool is not accessible, as it is surrounded by a rope. There are a few storyboards and you can take photos here with the pool in the background. There are steps to the left that lead to the Mingyue Temple. The first sight at the top of the steps, is a display of the "One Belt & One Road Inkstone" sculpture. It is a sculpture of dragons from a rare jade stone. The temple is divided into three sections. The main section in the middle has the tall pavilion at the front, a small museum at the rear, a tea and gift shop.

In the main courtyard is the Yuequan Pavillion Bell. It is a recent addition to the Temple complex, as it has the symbol of the horse which represents the Chinese Tourism association. The bronze buddha sculpture is titled "Tankasri Avalokitesvara" ,and is a great area for taking photos of the pavilion. The small museum has a great model of the temple complex and gives a brief history of the spring. The best photos of the temple are taken from the sand dunes.

The temple has a long history as it was named Wowa pond in the Han Dynasty. The original Temple Complex was built during the Tang Dynasty. After visiting the temple, you can stroll amongst the dunes, and participate in the many activities.

I have seen picyures of this wonder by nature and humans for many years until finally visiting the place in person. It is very crowded during the day so the best time to visit is in the morning, few tourists, cooler temperature.

The place is larger than I expected. It is unique and worth seeing once.