Second Visit to Crescent Moon Spring? Here's My Advice

The pearl of the Dunhuang desert ✨, the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring is an absolute must-visit destination in northwest China! The first time I saw this miraculous oasis embedded in the desert, I was truly amazed～🤩

🏜️ Travel Guide:
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📍 Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area
Opening Hours: 6:00-19:30
Ticket Price: Peak season 120 RMB/person, Off-season 60 RMB💰/person
Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
🔸 Must-try camel riding (100 RMB💰/person) - the feeling of crossing golden sand dunes on camelback is absolutely incredible!
🔸 Sand sliding is super thrilling (20 RMB💰/time), and if budget allows, try the desert ATVs
🔸 Climb to the top of Mingsha Mountain for spectacular desert sunset views - remember to wear anti-sand shoe covers (available for rent in the scenic area)

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🌙 Crescent Moon Spring Highlights:
Known as the "First Spring in the Desert", this millennium-old wonder where sand and water coexist
Best photo spot: The small hill opposite Yuequan Pavilion
⚠️ The spring now has an artificial maintenance system, but it's still very much worth seeing

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📷 Photography Tips:
1. Wear red/white clothing - it stands out beautifully against the golden desert
2. Best lighting before 9am or after 4pm
3. Climb high for stunning panoramic shots of the crescent-shaped spring

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🍽️🍲 Nearby Food Recommendations:
1. Shazhou Night Market (10-minute drive from scenic area)
- Recommended: Donkey meat with yellow noodles, apricot peel water, handmade yogurt
2. Jingyuan Ga Liu Lamb Meat🍗
Address: No. 13, Beitai Lane, Dunhuang City
3. Xiajia Mixed Soup
Address: Xiyu Road, Shazhou Town, Dunhuang City

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💡 Practical Tips:
1. Bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen clothing are must-haves☑️)
2. Poor signal in scenic area - download maps in advance
3. For crowd-free photos, enter as early as 6am
4. Large desert temperature variations - bring a jacket (it gets cold morning/evening)