Dunhuang, a city in Gansu Province, China, is a place full of historical and cultural charm, attracting tourists from all over the world with its magnificent natural scenery and rich heritage. Here is a recent travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to this fascinating destination.
1. Must - visit Attractions
The Magnificent Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand - Buddha Caves, are a world - renowned cultural heritage site. With a history spanning over a thousand years, from the 4th to the 14th century, these caves house an extensive collection of Buddhist art. The murals, covering an area of about 45,000 square meters, depict various Buddhist stories, historical events, and daily life scenes of ancient times. The colors are still vivid, and the details are incredibly intricate, showing the superb artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. The sculptures, ranging from small, delicate clay figures to large stone Buddhas, are lifelike and full of religious solemnity.
Ticketing and Visiting Arrangements: It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. You can book through the official website of the Dunhuang Research Academy or authorized online travel agencies. There are different types of tickets, including regular tickets that allow you to visit a certain number of standard caves and special tickets for accessing some of the more precious special caves.
New Experiences in 2025: In 2025, the Mogao Caves have introduced new immersive experience projects. For example, there is an augmented reality (AR) guide system that can provide more detailed explanations of the murals and sculptures. You can use your mobile device to scan the designated areas in the caves and see additional information, such as the restoration process of the artworks and the historical background of the depicted stories, presented in a vivid and interactive way.
The Mysterious Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring form a unique and harmonious landscape. Mingsha Mountain is famous for its singing sands. When you slide down the sand dunes, you can hear a strange, pleasant sound, as if the sand is singing. The dunes are vast and golden, stretching as far as the eye can see, creating a magnificent desert scenery. Crescent Spring, on the other hand, is a small, crescent - shaped oasis in the middle of the desert. Despite being surrounded by sand, the spring has never dried up, and its clear water reflects the blue sky and the surrounding sand dunes, presenting a beautiful and serene picture.
Best Visiting Time: The best time to visit is either in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the desert or in the late afternoon before sunset. The soft light at these times makes the scenery more spectacular. If you want to avoid the heat, the early morning is a better choice. In summer, the temperature during the day can be extremely high, so it's essential to bring enough water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.
Activities: You can ride a camel along the sand dunes, which gives you a taste of the ancient Silk Road travel experience. There are also sand - sledding activities available, allowing you to feel the thrill of sliding down the sand dunes. Additionally, there are observation decks set up at some vantage points, providing excellent views for photography enthusiasts.
The Enigmatic Yadan National Geological Park
The Yadan National Geological Park, often called the "Devil City," is a place full of mystery and wonder. The unique Yadan landforms here are the result of wind and water erosion over millions of years. The park is filled with various strange - shaped rock formations, such as towers, castles, and animals, which seem to have been carefully crafted by nature. When the wind blows, the howling wind through the narrow passages between the rocks creates an eerie sound, adding to the mystery of this place.
Tour Routes: There are organized tour buses and off - road vehicle tours in the park. The tour buses follow a fixed route, stopping at several key scenic spots where you can get off and take pictures. The off - road vehicle tours, on the other hand, allow you to explore some of the more remote and less - visited areas of the park, providing a more in - depth and adventurous experience. However, the off - road vehicle tours usually require prior reservation and are relatively more expensive.
Photography Tips: The best time for photography in the Yadan National Geological Park is around sunset. The low - angle sunlight casts long shadows, highlighting the unique shapes of the rock formations and creating a dramatic visual effect. It is recommended to bring a wide - angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a tripod for long - exposure shots to record the movement of the wind - blown sand.
The Historic Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass
Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass were important military and transportation hubs on the ancient Silk Road. Yangguan Pass, made famous by the poem "Advise you to have one more cup of wine; once you leave Yangguan, there will be no old friends," has witnessed the prosperity and decline of the Silk Road. Although only ruins remain today, they still evoke a strong sense of history. Yumen Pass, also known as the Jade Gate Pass, was a crucial gateway for the Han Dynasty to communicate with the Western Regions. Standing in front of the ancient pass, you can imagine the bustling scenes of caravans coming and going in ancient times and feel the vicissitudes of history.
Historical Exhibits: At both Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass, there are museums and exhibition areas that display a large number of cultural relics and historical materials related to the Silk Road. These exhibits help visitors better understand the historical significance of these passes and the role they played in promoting cultural exchanges and trade between the East and the West.
Scenic Views: The areas around the passes offer vast and desolate desert views. You can climb to the top of the remaining ruins to overlook the surrounding scenery, where the vast expanse of the desert and the occasional traces of ancient roads and fortifications can be seen, creating a solemn and stirring atmosphere.
2. Local Cuisine
Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles
One of the must - try local dishes in Dunhuang is Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles. The huangmian noodles are long, thin, and chewy, and they are served with a delicious sauce made from stewed Donkey Meat. The combination of the tender noodles and the savory sauce is a delight for the taste buds. You can find this dish in many local restaurants, especially in the bustling Shazhou Night Market.
Yangrou Menbing
Yangrou menbing, or mutton - stewed pancakes, is another local specialty. Tender mutton is stewed with various seasonings until it is extremely tender, and then thick, chewy pancakes are added to soak up the rich and flavorful mutton broth. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that reflects the bold and rich flavors of the northwest region.
Xingpi Shui
Xingpi Shui, a sweet and sour apricot - based drink, is a popular refreshment in Dunhuang. Made from dried apricot skins, it has a unique tangy taste that is both refreshing and thirst - quenching. It is often sold in small stalls and restaurants throughout the city, and it pairs perfectly with the local spicy and oily cuisine.
3. Accommodation Options
In the City Center
Staying in the city center of Dunhuang provides convenience, as it is close to many restaurants, shops, and transportation hubs. There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, ranging from budget - friendly options to high - end hotels. Some recommended hotels in the city center include the Dunhuang International Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and excellent service, and the Shazhou Hotel, known for its convenient location near the Shazhou Night Market.
Near the Scenic Spots
If you want to be closer to the natural scenery, there are also accommodation options near the scenic spots such as Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. There are some desert - themed resorts and homestays that offer a unique experience. For example, the Crescent Spring Resort allows you to wake up to the view of the desert and the spring, and some homestays provide traditional local - style rooms, giving you a more immersive experience of the local culture.
4. Transportation
Airport Transportation
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport is the main gateway to the city. There are shuttle buses that run between the airport and the city center, which is a convenient and cost - effective way to get to your accommodation. Taxis are also available at the airport, but make sure to agree on the fare in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
City Transportation
In the city of Dunhuang, you can get around easily by bus, taxi, or shared bicycles. The bus network covers most of the main areas, and it is a cheap way to travel. Taxis are also readily available, and they are more convenient for traveling to specific destinations. Shared bicycles are a great option for short - distance trips, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the local scenery along the way.
Transportation to Scenic Spots
To reach the scenic spots such as the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, Yadan National Geological Park, etc., there are tour buses and private car rentals available. If you prefer a more organized tour, you can book a seat on a tour bus, which usually includes transportation, a tour guide, and entrance tickets to the scenic spots. Private car rentals are suitable for those who want more flexibility in their travel schedule and can explore the scenic spots at their own speed.
5. Tips for Traveling
Seasonal Considerations
The best time to visit Dunhuang is from May to October when the weather is relatively warm and suitable for outdoor activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter and more cost - effective trip, you can consider visiting in the off - season, from November to April. Although the weather is colder, some attractions may offer discounted tickets, and you can enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the city and its attractions.
Cultural Etiquette
When visiting the Mogao Caves and other religious or historical sites, it is important to respect the local culture and customs. Follow the instructions of the guides, do not touch the murals and sculptures, and refrain from using flash photography in the caves. In local restaurants, be polite to the staff and respect the local food culture.
Safety Precautions
When traveling in the desert areas, such as Mingsha Mountain and the Yadan National Geological Park, be aware of the weather conditions. Carry enough water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and follow the designated paths to ensure your safety. In case of an emergency, know the contact information of the local emergency services and the management of the scenic spots.
Dunhuang offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or natural scenery, this ancient city has something to offer. With this travel guide, you can plan your trip carefully and make the most of your time in Dunhuang, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
