 The Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain) is so named for the sound of the wind whipping off the dunes. The area is very popoular with tourists. A street lined with souvenir stalls leads up to the entrance to the complex. Most tourists ride camels, organized by the complex opoerators, to reach the sand dunes. Typically the camels are guided by a local camel guide, who includes both women and men. At the dunes, a popular activity for tourist is to ride sleds down the sand slopes, much like snow-sledding during winter in temperate zones. Along the side of the Crescent Lake is a pagoda in traditional Han Chinese architecture.
Surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, a crescent-shaped spring lies in the green basin, hence comes the name Yueya Quan (Crescent Moon Lake). The Crescent Moon Lake is located at the north foot of Mingsha Mountain, about 50 meters from north to south and 5 meters deep on an average. It is so sweet and crystal clear, and never gets covered up by drift sand. It never overflows after long-lasting rain or dries up after a long drought. It has wonderful scenery, with flickering leaves of aspens and weeping willows, sweet flowers of narrow leaves, swaying reeds and hovering wide birds. |
