today. It was listed as "the World Cultural Heritage" by the UNESCO in December, 1987. The artistic feature of Mogao Grottoes is expressed in the fantastic integration of its building, sculpture and mural paintings. It has systematically reflected the different aspects of cultural exchanges between the East and the West in the periods of Sixteen States, Northern Liang, Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Western Xia and Yuan Dynasties These are the vivid records of China's Buddhist history, art history and social life. The Grottoes in Dunhuang are the largest Buddhist grottoes with the longest history and the richest treasures both in China and in the world. today. It was listed as "the World Cultural Heritage"by the UNESCO in December, 1987. The artistic feature of Mogao Grottoes is expressed in the fantastic integration of its building, sculpture and mural paintings. It has systematically reflected the different aspects of cultural exchanges between the East and the West in the periods of Sixteen States, Northern Liang, Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Western Xia and Yuan Dynasties These are the vivid records of China's Buddhist history, art history and social life. The Grottoes in Dunhuang are the largest Buddhist grottoes with the longest history and the richest treasures both in China and in the world.

Mingsha Mountain is situated in the southern part of Dunhuang, 6 kilometers away from the city. Mountain is celebrated for the sound of the moving sand. It stretches 40 kilometers from east to west and 20 kilometers from south to north. It has been piled up by colorful sand such as red, yellow, green, black and white. The main peak is 1,715 meters above sea level The northern peak is precipitous as the edge of a knife and has a magnificent sight. Stepping on the sand may change its shape temporarily, but the sand always returns its original shape the next day When people slide down from the top of the mountain, the sand falls together with human body and gives out a beautiful sound.

The Crescent Moon Spring lies at the northern foot of Mingsha Mountain. Because of its shape like a crescent moon, so we gave its name. The Crescent Moon Spring is118 meters long from east to west, 25 meters wide from south to north and with an average depth of 3.2. Though the spring is nestled among sand hills, the water is sweet and crystal clear. The sand never gets into spring, and the water is never muddy or dry up. With long time rain the water in the spring doesn't spill over and with long draught it doesn¡¯t become dry. The sand mountain and spring water have wonderfully linked together and formed a marvelous view in desert.