As the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn holidays unfolded, Dunhuang's Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring scenic spot in Gansu Province in the Chinese mainland's northwest witnessed a peak surge in visitor numbers. Once a vital stop along the ancient Silk Road, the site drew travelers craving a blend of history and adventure.
Young global citizens snapped panoramic shots of rolling sand dunes, while digital nomads live-streamed camel rides across the desert. Entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts mingled with sustainability advocates, exchanging ideas under starlit skies. For sports and entertainment fans, tackling shifting sands by foot or on camelback offered a desert marathon, each dune crest revealing the ochre expanse below.
Tour operators reported that eco-conscious travelers favored overnight camping near Crescent Spring, where temperatures dipped and the oasis waters mirrored the moon. This immersive adventure blended sustainable tourism with cultural heritage, echoing Dunhuang's Silk Road legacy and captivating thought leaders focused on preservation.
One visitor said, 'Experiencing the desert on camelback connects you to centuries of history. It reminds us of human resilience and the power of cultural exchange.'
Looking ahead, local tourism initiatives plan to roll out virtual tours and multilingual guides, ensuring Dunhuang stays accessible to a global audience. As holiday crowds disperse, the dunes will retain the footprints of a record-breaking season—proof that ancient landscapes still enthrall modern explorers.
Reference(s):
Dunhuang welcomes tourist boom during the National Day holiday
cgtn.com
