Dunhuang in Gansu Province is a place full of historical and cultural connotations and unique natural landscapes. Choosing the right time to visit is crucial for a great travel experience. Here is an introduction to the best time to visit Dunhuang and a self-driving guide.
The Best Time to Visit Dunhuang
May - June: The weather is mild, not too hot, which is suitable for outdoor activities. The sunlight gently shines on the murals of the Mogao Caves, making each color seem to tell a thousand-year story. It's an excellent time to visit indoor attractions like the Mogao Caves.
August - September: The weather is cool and dry, very suitable for long outdoor activities. At this time, Dunhuang is also in the harvest season, with various fruits such as grapes, apricots, and Hami melons ripening, filling the city with a sweet aroma.
Mid-September - Late October: The weather is clear and refreshing, and the scenery is as beautiful as a natural oil painting. The natural scenery of Dunhuang is picturesque, and you can also enjoy local agricultural and sideline products. It's a great time to feel the artistic charm of the Mogao Caves, admire the strange scenery of the Crescent Spring in Mingsha Mountain, and experience the heroism of "Spring Breeze Never Crosses Yumen Pass" at Yumen Pass.
Self-driving Guide
Route Planning
Northwest Grand Loop: Xining - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Crescent Spring in Mingsha Mountain. This route covers diverse landscapes such as Danxia landforms, gobi deserts, and deserts, with a total distance of about 1500 kilometers.
From Dunhuang City to Scenic Spots: It's about a 10 - minute drive from Dunhuang city to Crescent Spring in Mingsha Mountain, and there is a free parking lot in the scenic area. The Mogao Caves are about 30 minutes' drive from Crescent Spring.
Scenic Spots Introduction
Mogao Caves: A world - famous cultural heritage site with numerous exquisite murals and statues. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
Crescent Spring in Mingsha Mountain: There is an endless desert and layered sand dunes. The Crescent Spring is like a bright pearl in the desert. The ticket is 110 yuan, valid for 3 days, allowing unlimited entries within 3 days.
Yumen Pass and Yangguan: Historical relics on the Silk Road, which can let you feel the ancient Silk Road culture.
Silk Road Heritage City: There are few tourists. It can make up for the regret of not being able to take pictures in the Mogao Caves. There are architectural replicas such as the Daming Palace, Thousand - Buddha Cliff, Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, Shazhou Ancient City, Parthenon Temple in Greece, and Fujian Tulou. The ticket is 60 yuan.
Driving Precautions
Vehicle Maintenance: Before departure, conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the vehicle to ensure its performance, including tires, brakes, oil, etc.
Weather Forecast: Check the weather forecast in advance, especially in summer to avoid high temperatures and in winter to avoid extreme cold and snowstorms.
Driving Safety: The roads in the northwest are relatively straight, but pay attention to speeding and falling asleep at the wheel. Watch out for sudden appearances of livestock on the road in some sections.
Navigation Tools: Prepare navigation tools such as mobile phone maps in advance. Some remote areas may have poor signal, so it's better to download offline maps.
Accommodation Recommendations
Dunhuang City: There are various types of accommodation, including star hotels, budget hotels, and homestays. It is recommended to choose accommodation near the city center or scenic spots for convenience.
Scenic Area Accommodation: There are some desert camps and homestays near Crescent Spring in Mingsha Mountain, which can provide unique accommodation experiences, such as watching the starry sky at night.
Food Recommendations
Roasted Steamed Bun: The crust is crispy and the filling is delicious.
Hand - Grabbed Mutton: Tender and juicy, without any muttony smell.
Donkey Burger: The meat is tender and the bun is crispy.
Xingpi Tea: A local specialty drink, sour and sweet, very thirst - quenching.
whether you want to feel the historical and cultural heritage or enjoy the unique natural scenery, Dunhuang has something to offer. As long as you choose the right time and make careful preparations, you are bound to have an unforgettable self - driving trip in Dunhuang. So, get ready and set off to explore the charm of Dunhuang!
