Crescent Lake near Dunhuang, China Jul 19, 2023

Crescent Lake near Dunhuang, China

Crescent Lake is a captivating natural wonder hidden in the vast Gobi Desert near the Chinese city of Dunhuang in Gansu province. This oasis, named for its unusual shape, has been a vital water source here for centuries. The lake is thought to have formed in a valley carved by wind and been fed by an underground spring. It sits amid Dunhuang"s "singing" sand dunes, which make a noise when the wind blows. The sand dunes also help stop the lake from being swallowed by sand and conservation efforts have ensured that it doesn"t dry out. Visitors enjoy boating on the lake, camel rides through the surrounding dunes, and seeing ancient Buddhist art and murals in the nearby Mogao Caves.

© R7 Photo/Shutterstock

palette

Today in History

Jul 19, 2018Cosplay strongly encouraged
Jul 19, 2019A place fit for the gods
Jul 19, 2020Venice by night
Jul 19, 2021Wander the ancient medina
Jul 19, 2022National Bison Month
Jul 19, 2024A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil
Jul 19, 2025National Moth Week

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 29, 2018A Christmas market with a long history
Aug 17, 2019The buzz about bees
Jul 29, 2023International Tiger Day
Jun 12, 2021In Texas, even the riverbend is big
Dec 8, 2025Christmas lights in Domaso, Lake Como, Italy
May 23, 2019Come out of your shell for World Turtle Day
Dec 7, 2023National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Oct 18, 2020Sitka shines on Alaska Day
Oct 16, 2021Unearthing a queen s lost tale
Jun 21, 2018Inhale and exhale, it’s Yoga Day
Oct 17, 2018Let’s talk fossils
Jul 19, 2020Venice by night
Nov 4, 2018And they’re off!
Sep 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
Feb 8, 2022Extraterrestrial Culture Day
Oct 29, 2018In search of a ‘great’ pumpkin
Sep 10, 2020Hidden beauty in Thailand
May 21, 2022Albion Falls, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Jan 24, 2026Andermatt village in the Alps, Switzerland
Mar 27, 2024World Theater Day
Nov 9, 2021Dalyan, Turkey
Aug 7, 2024St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan
Apr 1, 2024April Fools Day
Nov 17, 2019Remembering the Velvet Revolution
Jun 5, 2022World Environment Day
Jul 21, 2025Coral Reef Awareness Week
Jun 19, 2022Father s Day
May 28, 2022Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
Mar 31, 2022Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower
Jul 9, 2019Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands