Dunhuang is situated in a rich oasis containing Crescent Lake and Mingsha Shan

  Dunhuang (Chinese: 敦煌) is a city (pop. 187,578 (2000)) in northwestern Gansu province, Western China. It was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. It was also known at times as Shāzhōu (沙州), or 'City of Sands', a name still used today. It is best known for the nearby Dunhuang Caves. It is situated in a rich oasis containing Crescent Lake (月牙泉) and Mingsha Shan (鸣沙山, literally "Echoing-Sand Mountain"). Mingsha Shan is so named for the sound of the wind whipping off the dunes, the singing sand phenomenon.

  Crescent Lake is not only famous for its unique landscape but also for its products. There are a lot of fish in the lake, particularly a kind of fish named 'Tiebei fish' (Iron-back Fish) which is said can be used for curing all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases. In addition, some herbs growing around the lake also have the effect on treating diseases like high blood pressure, vascular sclerosis, colds, cough etc.

  Iron back fish, five-colored sands and seven stars grass are said to be the "three treasures" of Crescent Lake and it is said that one can live eternally if he eats the fish and the grass together. Nobody knows exactly whether they exist or not, but indeed, there are some traditional Chinese medicinal plants growing by the lake, e.g. medlars and apocynum venetum, which accompany the lake day and night with traditional Chinese buildings.