If there's one city in northwest China that should never be missed, it's Dunhuang. A land where desert landscapes meet millennia of cultural glory, Dunhuang was once the thriving hub of the Silk Road, where merchants, monks, and travelers from across Asia converged.
As renowned scholar Ji Xianlin noted, "Four great cultural systems—Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Islamic—meet at only one place on earth: Dunhuang and the Xinjiang region." This guide will help you unlock Dunhuang's wonders, from its ancient grottoes to its desert oases.
Getting There: Transportation Guide
By Air
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport operates 22 passenger routes (21 domestic, 1 regional) during the 2024 summer season (starting March 31). Key destinations include:
Major cities: Beijing (Capital/Daxing), Shanghai (Hongqiao/Pudong), Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an
Regional hubs: Lanzhou, Xining, Turpan
New service: Resumed Hong Kong charter flights (weekly, starting April 22)
Airport transfers:
Shuttle bus to downtown: ¥10/person
Taxi: ~¥30 (13km from city center)
By Train
Lanzhou, Gansu's capital, serves as the main transit hub. Direct trains connect Dunhuang to Xi'an, Jiayuguan, Jiuquan, and Lanzhou.
Train station transfers:
Bus to downtown: ¥5/person
Taxi: ~¥30 (12km from city center)
By Bus
Dunhuang Bus Station offers routes to nearby cities like Jiayuguan, Jiuquan, and Guazhou, ideal for travelers exploring the Gansu corridor.
Bus station transfers:
Bus 4 to city center: ¥1
Taxi: ~¥5 (located in downtown area)
What to Pack: Essential Tips
Dunhuang's desert climate demands careful preparation:
Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses (UV index is 2-3x stronger than eastern China)
Layered clothing: Dramatic temperature swings (15°C+ difference between day and night) require a warm jacket even in summer
Moisturizers: Face masks, lip balm, and hydrating lotion are musts in this arid region (annual rainfall: only 40mm)
Sand protection: Shoe covers and waterproof phone cases for visits to Mingsha Mountain and Yardang Landform
Must-See Attractions: East & West Routes
Eastern Route (Cultural & Natural Wonders)
1. Mogao Grottoes (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas)
Why visit: The world's largest Buddhist art treasure with 735 caves, 45,000㎡ murals, and 2,415 statues spanning 1,000 years (4th-14th centuries).
Tips:
Start at the Digital Exhibition Center with two films: The Thousand-Year-Old Mogao and The Dreamlike Buddha Palace
Book tickets 15 days in advance via www.mgk.org.cn (7:00-22:00 daily)
Regular tickets (¥238) include 8 caves; emergency tickets (¥100) include 4 caves
Duration: 3-4 hours
Transport: Special bus from Silk Road Yiyuan Hotel (¥5) or taxi (~¥30)
2. Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
Why visit: A natural wonder where singing sand dunes surround a crescent-shaped lake that never dries up.
Tips:
Visit at sunrise/sunset to avoid extreme heat
Activities: Camel rides (¥100), sand sliding (¥20), off-road vehicles (¥200)
Ticket: ¥110 (valid for 3 days with face recognition)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Transport: Bus 3 from Panxuan Road (¥2) or taxi (~¥15)
3. Leiyin Temple
Why visit: Rebuilt but preserving Dunhuang's Buddhist heritage, famous for its April 8th Buddha Bathing Festival.
Highlights: Free entry, unique Han-Tibetan style murals
Duration: 1 hour
4. Dunhuang Museum
Why visit: 13,481 artifacts tracing Dunhuang's history from Neolithic times to Ming Dynasty.
Tips: Book via WeChat (Dunhuang Museum), free entry (closed Mondays)
Hours: 9:00-18:30 (last entry 17:30)
Western Route (Silk Road Relics)
1. Yangguan Pass
Why visit: Ancient customs post on the Southern Silk Road, immortalized in Wang Wei's poem: "Drink one more cup—beyond Yangguan, no old friends remain."
Ticket: ¥50 (including ¥10 shuttle bus)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
2. Yumen Pass
Why visit: Ruins of the Northern Silk Road's key gateway, where "the spring breeze never reaches" (per Tang poetry).
Ticket: ¥40 (+¥50 shuttle bus)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
3. Yardang "Devil City"
Why visit: Wind-eroded rock formations resembling temples, ships, and animals, with eerie sounds after dark.
Ticket: ¥120 (including shuttle bus)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
4. Dunhuang Ancient City
Why visit: Film set for New Dragon Gate Inn and 20+ movies, recreating Tang-Song dynasty architecture.
Ticket: ¥40
Activities: Costume rentals, horse riding
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Hidden Gems
Dunhuang Night Market: Try local snacks and handicrafts under red lanterns
Dunhuang Bookstore: 16,688 books on Dunhuang studies, cultural creative products, and specialty coffee
Where to Stay
Downtown Hotels: 3-5 star options and boutique guesthouses near attractions
Desert Camping (May-October): Unique experience with bonfires, star-gazing, and sunrise views (¥200-500/person)
Note: Bring warm clothing—temperatures drop sharply at night
Local Cuisine
Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles: Dunhuang's signature dish—hand-pulled noodles with donkey meat sauce
Braised Lamb with Flatbread: Tender local lamb with unleavened bread soaked in broth
Xingyuan Lamb: Boiled young lamb with minimal seasoning to highlight natural flavor
Apricot Juice: Refreshing drink made from dried Li Guang apricotsNorthwest Barbecue: Lamb skewers, spicy chicken feet, and wide noodles
Cultural Performances
"See Dunhuang Again": Immersive show about Mogao Grottoes' history (¥298 standard seat, 90 mins)
"Music of Dunhuang": Cave-style performance with ancient instruments (¥398 VIP seat, 70 mins)
"Dunhuang Grand Ceremony": 360° rotating auditorium with desert backdrop, featuring iron-forging shows
Final Thought
Dunhuang isn't just a destination—it's a journey through time. Whether you're marveling at Mogao's murals, listening to singing sands, or tracing Silk Road footsteps, you'll understand why this desert oasis has captivated travelers for millennia.
Pack your bags and let Dunhuang's winds whisper its ancient stories to you.
