Sand Dunes at Cresent Moon Spring in Dunhuang, Ganxi, China

Here is a quick 360 degree video taken from the top of one of the sand dunes of Mingsha Shan, or Singing Sands Mountain, directly in front of the Crescent Moon Spring (not Lake as Lonely Planet calls it) in Dunhuang, Gansu Province in China. the video was shot on February 26th, 2007, there is snow in many places and half the spring is frozen so you can just imagine how cold it is. However, when you're hiking up, you get so hot and sweaty that you convince yourself it is a good idea to take off your shoes so they don't get full of sand. When you finally calm down after reaching the top you start to realize how cold it is. This video really doesn't do the experience justice; you really have to go and see it for yourself. When you do, be sure to pick the most direct route to the lowest part of the top. I think there is something psychological about finally reaching teh top that makes the climb to other, higher parts, much easier. If you decide to go the free route to the dunes, you will most likely climb the dunes behind the spring, direclty opposite where I am standing. By the way, the way down is a lot of fun. If you can, try bringing a board or something to ride down on!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Sand
• Dunes
• Crescent
• Moon
• Spring
• Dunhuang
• Ganxi
• China
• Dune
• Riding
• Boarding

[Pglarsen]

That was awesome. Is that on your way through the Silk Route?

[riverjustin]

Thats a lot of sand! Good to see you on the tube.