Mingsha Mountain - Crescent Lake Scenic Area

Mingsha Mountain - Crescent Lake Scenic Area

Mingsha Mountain - Crescent Lake Scenic Area is a national scenic area and a AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Mingsha Mountain, anciently known as Divine Sand Mountain or Sand Horn Mountain, stretches approximately 40 kilometers from east to west, 20 kilometers from north to south, and rises tens of meters in height. It extends from the cliff top of the Mogao Grottoes in the east to the Danghe Reservoir in the west. The mountain features steep, blade-like peaks and is composed entirely of smooth, fine, grainy yellow sand. As I climbed up the mountain, I could hear the sand beneath my feet making singing or humming sounds. Though I struggled forward, sometimes sinking deep and sometimes slipping back, making the ascent incredibly challenging, I still found it immensely enjoyable. With one final burst of energy, I reached the summit. Suddenly, I was met with strong winds carrying fine sand that whistled incessantly around me, and the footprints I had just left were quickly erased. It is said that during fierce winds, when sand and gravel rush downhill with climbers, the mountain emits tremendous roaring sounds. On ordinary days, with a gentle breeze, it sounds like the music of string and wind instruments—hence the name "Mingsha Mountain." The sunset view at Mingsha Mountain is absolutely breathtaking and not to be missed.

Crescent Lake is about 300 meters long and 50 meters wide, nestled within the embrace of Mingsha Mountain. White poplar trees stand elegantly along its shores, while fish leisurely swim in its shallow blue, crystal-clear, and sweet-tasting waters. The lake is named for its resemblance to a crescent moon. Crescent Lake is a dreamlike mystery. For thousands of years, it has neither been buried by the surrounding shifting sands nor dried up due to drought, earning its reputation as the premier desert spring in the world—a marvel that never ceases to amaze.

Four theories on the formation of Crescent Lake!

1. Remnant of an Ancient River Channel

We know that there is a Danghe River near Crescent Lake, and it’s highly possible that Crescent Lake is actually a remnant section of the Danghe River’s ancient channel!

Long ago, the Danghe River changed its course, which led to most of its old riverbed being buried under sand. However, the Crescent Lake section remained lower in elevation and, due to the presence of an underground spring, formed a lake. Thanks to the continuous replenishment of underground water flow, Crescent Lake has remained full and has never dried up to this day!

Crescent Lake

2. Fault Seepage Causing Spring Water

Some believe that there is an east-west fault line on the southern side of Crescent Lake. This fault has uplifted an underground aquifer, and where the hanging wall of the fault meets the nearby water table, water emerges, thus forming Crescent Lake!

3. Wind-Erosion Lake Theory

A wind-erosion lake is formed when loose surface materials are eroded over time by wind, creating depressions of various sizes. When these are filled with groundwater, lakes eventually form. Wulan Lake in the Hulunbuir Sandy Area is an example of a wind-erosion lake.

Crescent Lake may very well be a wind-erosion lake. It likely began as a wind-eroded depression, which gradually deepened until it reached the water table. At that point, a spring-fed lake formed within the inner bay of the sand dune.

Moreover, because the sand dunes surrounding Crescent Lake are higher to the north and south, the wind always blows sand upward, preventing it from falling into the lake. This is a key reason why Crescent Lake has remained unchanged for thousands of years!

Crescent Lake

4. Man-Made Excavation

Some also believe that Crescent Lake was excavated by humans. Otherwise, look at its shape—it resembles a half-moon too closely, as if intentionally crafted.

Additionally, ancient texts refer to Crescent Lake by another name: “Sand Well.” Since it's called a “well,” it was very likely created by human labor—meaning Crescent Lake is man-made!

· Third Batch of National Key Scenic Areas

· 28th Batch of National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attractions (July 2015)

Crescent Lake

Mingsha Mountain