Tens of thousands of eager tourists gather atop Mingsha Mountain, poised in anticipation for the commencement of the celestial concert beneath the stars in Dunhuang, Gansu province on July 28, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

As July's midsummer heat envelops Dunhuang, a city in China's Gansu province, the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area transform into a mesmerizing nocturnal wonderland.

As darkness descends, the carefully orchestrated illuminations bring the landscape to life, creating a captivating interplay between nature and human ingenuity.

Tens of thousands of visitors flock to this desert, the torches of their smartphones twinkling in harmony with the stars above. This enchanting spectacle crafts a surreal, romantic atmosphere, blending the ancient allure of the Silk Road with modern tourism experiences.

According to Dunhuang's cultural and tourism authorities, the scenic area welcomed a staggering 31,900 visitors on July 27 alone. This surge in popularity is part of a broader trend: As of July 27, Dunhuang had received a cumulative total of 4.2 million tourists in 2024, marking a significant 20.78 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.