Dunhuang’s Secret Oasis - Crescent Lake

So you’re in the desert and you think you’re hallucinating and seeing an oasis...well you’re not dreaming if you’re in Dunhuang! You have reached Dunhuang’s Crescent Lake which is indeed a real life oasis in the middle of the Gobi Desert. The lake is located on the outskirts of Dunhuang, approximately 6 kilometers from the city. The Crescent Lake is a heritage site and is really one of its kind, hard to believe it’s been around for more than 2,000 years!

Full view of Dunhuang's Crescent Lake 

Over recent years there have been growing concerns about the preservation of the lake. The main worries over the lake are due to the shrinking of the lake over the years. However, measures have been taken to preserve the lake and after all it is a listed UNESCO heritage sight therefore the government has created a man-made lake to balance out the Crescent Lake and in recent reports it has been said that the lake has continued to grow over the past couple of years. Though despite the shrinking of the lake what can’t be denied is the beauty of the sight with its fine setting and traditional architecture.


Traditional Chinese architecture can be seen throughout the sight 

The appeal of the Crescent Lake is its absolute individuality and location. At the Crescent Lake you can experience fun in the sand with Camel rides that allow you to enjoy the view of the magnificent sand dunes. Or you can take a trek all the up to the top of the sand dunes and take an adrenaline rush back down by sand sliding all the way back to where you came from!