Crescent Lake: China's Breathtaking Desert Oasis (13 Photos)
Located about 6 kilometers from the city of Dunhuang in western China, Crescent Lake is an extraordinary oasis tucked away in the Gobi Desert. Known in Chinese as Yueyaquan, this crescent-shaped body of water is one of the region’s premier attractions, neighboring one of the world’s greatest Buddhist sanctuaries. 
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lake has unfortunately been shrinking since the 1970s and is now down to just a third of its original size. (UrinalCakes on Reddit)
In the last 30 years alone, the water level has plummeted by 7.6 meters. (Richard Towell) 
Recently, however, local authorities have stepped in, taking measures to preserve the historic site and restore the lake to its former depth. (Richard Towell) 
Today, the ancient city of Dunhuang—once a key gateway to the West along the Silk Road—faces the mounting pressures of modern development. (black_lava) 
A booming population and a dam built three decades ago to aid local agriculture have taken a heavy toll on the fragile desert ecosystem, which had remained stable for thousands of years. (Tom Thai) 
As more people moved into the area, the water table—the primary source of local drinking water—began to drop drastically. (newlite) 
Here is a look at this mesmerizing landmark, featuring both close-up perspectives and breathtaking aerial views. (Sigismund von Dobschutz) 
Hopefully, preservation efforts will succeed so that future generations can continue to marvel at this desert wonder. (FeverZ) 
(Alex Kwok) 
(Chris Wang) 
(Richard Towell) 
(CHAAAAAAR) 
(FeverZ)
