Here is a quick 360 degree video taken from the top of one of the sand dunes of Mingsha Shan, or Singing Sands Mountain, directly in front of the Crescent Moon Spring in Dunhuang, Gansu Province in China. The video was shot on February 26th, 2007, there is snow in many places and half the spring is frozen so you can just imagine how cold it is. However, when you're hiking up, you get so hot and sweaty that you convince yourself it is a good idea to take off your shoes so they don't get full of sand. When you finally calm down after reaching the top you start to realize how cold it is.

Despite the fact that Lonely Planet calls this Crescent Moon Lake, it really is just a spring as its name appears everywhere else I have seen. This video really doesn't do the experience justice; you really have to go and see it for yourself. When you do, be sure to pick the most direct route to the lowest part of the top. I think there is something psychological about finally reaching the top that makes the climb to other, higher parts, much easier. If you decide to go the free route to the dunes, you will most likely climb the dunes behind the spring, directly opposite where I am standing. By the way, the way down is a lot of fun. If you can, try bringing a board or you can rent one to ride down on!