Recently, the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake Scenic Area has seen a surge in visitors during the summer travel peak. Tourists from across the country have flocked to the site—some climbing the rolling sand dunes, others joining camel caravans to experience the desert's charm, and many immersing themselves in the audiovisual spectacle of the starry sky concerts. From family trips and student study tours to leisurely senior excursions, the scenic area has captivated visitors of all ages with its unique allure.
Facing the overwhelming influx of tourists, the area proactively implemented peak-season management measures. Since June 20, all staff have been on duty, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to ensure a smooth and orderly experience during the high season.
Efficient Entry for a Positive First Impression
Ticket-checking, the first step for visitors entering the scenic area, plays a crucial role in shaping their initial experience. To enhance efficiency, the area has fully adopted online booking to distribute crowds, along with a time-slot and multi-gate ticketing system. The number of ticket-checking gates at the central, eastern, and western entrances has been increased to 47, allowing nearly 10,000 visitors to enter smoothly in a short time.
Upgraded Camel Riding Experience
The desert camel ride, the most popular attraction, has undergone a series of upgrades this year. The area introduced smart management tools, including a dedicated mini-program for ride bookings, additional ticketing devices, and digital display screens that show real-time rider numbers and camel locations. These improvements ensure an orderly and enjoyable desert adventure for visitors.
Enhanced Facilities for Visitor Comfort
Restroom availability is a fundamental concern for travelers. This year, the scenic area added five mobile restrooms to the existing 17, strategically placed across different zones to provide convenience and reflect thoughtful service.
Safety as the Top Priority
Safety is paramount for travelers, and the scenic area has strengthened its protective measures by collaborating with health, firefighting, and other departments. Medical service stations equipped with professional staff and emergency supplies are on standby to address any health emergencies. Additional police and fire personnel have been deployed in key areas, ensuring visitors feel secure while enjoying their trip.
Smooth Transportation Management
To optimize traffic flow, the area meticulously redesigned its parking layout. Traffic police braved 40°C heat to direct vehicles outside the scenic zone, their uniforms drenched in sweat, yet their unwavering commitment kept traffic moving smoothly. Meanwhile, 82 shuttle buses and emergency coaches were deployed to form a "loop transit network," offering free rides with warm and attentive service.
Inside the scenic area, potential congestion points were addressed with increased shuttle frequency and real-time crowd management during starry sky concerts. The smart monitoring system tracked visitor and vehicle flow, enabling quick dispersal of over 4,000 private cars via announcements, digital screens, and on-site coordination.
Citywide Support for Quality Tourism
Since late July, the municipal government has activated an "emergency support mechanism," mobilizing 100 volunteers from 51 city units and 82 law enforcement officers from eight towns and five departments. These teams stationed at 16 key locations—entrances, camel ride points, and concert venues—provided guidance, information, and crowd control from dusk till late night. Despite sore legs and hoarse voices, their dedication ensured visitors experienced the warmth and hospitality of Dunhuang.
From the starry sky festivities to orderly moonlit departures, this seamless operation reflects the city’s collective commitment to high-quality tourism and the scenic area’s continuous service improvements. Moving forward, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake will keep refining its offerings, ensuring every guest not only marvels at the desert’s beauty but also feels the warmth of a true welcome.
Source: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake Scenic Area
