Crescent Lake: A 2000-year-old oasis that looks like a half moon 

Oasis in the desert is an all-too-common idiomatic phrase that all of you have read somewhere or heard someone say. However, only few of us are fortunate enough to come across one in real life. Oases, or fresh water springs surrounded by a fertile region of vegetation amidst a vast desert, are nothing short of geographical wonders. Today, we will take you on a tour to an ancient oasis named Crescent Lake. It resides in the middle of the vast and wild Gobi Desert in China. 

Crescent Lake: A sneak peek 
Located 6 kilometres south of the city of Dunhuang in the Gansu Province of China, Crescent Lake is spread across 1.37 acres. It derives its name from its crescent moon shape and is locally popular as Yueyaquan (nicknamed during the Qing dynasty). It is surrounded by the Echoing Sand Mountain. 

More than 2000 years old! 
According to experts, it was formed more than 2000 years ago during the Han dynasty (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.) by some minor tectonic activity underneath and natural wind created depression, that exposed underground water to the surface. Since then, it has been fed by natural springs from the surrounding areas. Okay, but why don’t the sands bury the lake? Well, it is the result of cross-ventilation, which ensures that the sands blow to the other side of the mountain and do not smother the lake. Besides, the lake is situated at a very low altitude making cross-ventilation a lot easier.  

Discovery of the lake 
Crescent Lake was unknown to the world until it was discovered by two missionaries serving in China in 1932, the British Mildred Cable and the French Francesca Law. They were so enchanted by the lake that they even ended up dedicating an entire chapter to it in their non-fiction The Gobi Desert. Interestingly, since it falls along the major Silk Route, it is often regarded as the ultimate rest stop for one and all. 

Declining water levels 
In the 1960, geologists determined that the average depth of the lake was 5 to 7.5 metres. However, in the next 40 years, the depth massively declined to 1 metre only as a result of high-level desertification. So, in 2006, the Chinese government decided to artificially water the lake using groundwater diversions. Since then, the water levels have started to rise.  

Attractions around the lake 
One can reach the Crescent Lake via camel safari or off-road vehicles. As soon as they reach the moon-shaped oasis, they can find the water body surrounded by sand dunes, vibrant green vegetation, small temples and a high wooden traditional pagoda. The pagoda serves as a watch tower for the Chinese army who ensure that their natural wonder is well-preserved.