Crescent Lake at the Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area (鸣沙山景区) is a must-visit spot in China. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls and enhance your experience 😊.

Ticket Tips

1️⃣ The entrance ticket is 110CNY (approximately $15 USD) per person and is valid for 3 consecutive days 🎫. If you plan to enjoy the sunrise on the second day, remember to bring your ID for re-entry.

2️⃣ It's best to enter the park after 7 PM to avoid the intense daytime heat 🔥. Make sure to enter before 8:30 PM to have enough time to explore.

3️⃣ Bring several bottles of water! This is very important to stay hydrated 💧.

4️⃣ Prepare a sandproof cover for your phone 📱 to enjoy playing in the sand without worries.

5️⃣ Enter the scenic area through the middle gate, which is the closest to Crescent Lake and doesn’t require a shuttle bus 🚶.

Photography and Clothing Tips

6️⃣ Various professional photo services are available at the entrance, but the quality varies 📸. Compare a few options before deciding. The outfits are beautiful, and you can choose a package that includes clothes and makeup, then take photos yourself.

7️⃣ Wear red or black clothes for stunning photos 🌟.

Practical Tips

8️⃣ There’s no need to buy shoe covers. They cost 5CNY (approximately $0.70 USD) at the entrance and 20CNY (approximately $3 USD) inside the park. Just wear sandals; the sand is soft and fine, though it can get hot in summer 🌞.

Activity Tips

9️⃣ Paid activities inside the park: camel rides 100CNY (approximately $14 USD) for 40 minutes, sand sliding 40CNY (approximately $6 USD), and off-road vehicles 300CNY (approximately $42 USD). If you plan on desert camping, these activities are often included at cheaper rates 🏜️. For example, camel rides are 35CNY (approximately $5 USD), and sand sliding is unlimited.

1️⃣0️⃣ Riding camels in summer can lead to traffic jams and a sore butt 🐪. Camels won’t take you up the hill; you’ll still need to climb.

1️⃣1️⃣ Climbing the sand is exhausting 👣. If you're not very fit, use the wooden stairs and step in others' footprints to save energy.

Evening Tips

1️⃣2️⃣ After sunset, lights will illuminate the area, and you can enjoy stargazing ✨. Stay a bit longer if possible. Unfortunately, I missed the sunset and left early.

1️⃣3️⃣ When descending, try sitting and sliding down manually—it’s fast and fun 😄. Or just close your eyes and run down; it's thrilling and safe. Everyone seems to enjoy this descent!

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Accommodation: $50 for 2 nights
• Food: $30 for 2 days
• Transportation: $20
• Attraction Tickets: $20

Total Estimated Cost: $120 USD Note: Costs can vary based on meal and accommodation choices and travel timing.