I visited Dunhuang last October, and it turned out to be such a wise choice! Many people wonder when the best time to go to Dunhuang is—let me share my thoughts. Summer in Dunhuang is scorching, with temperatures often over 35°C, and winter is bitterly cold and windy. But autumn, especially September and early October, is perfect. The weather is mild, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like deserts and grottoes. Plus, it’s just before the peak tourist season of the National Day holiday, so the crowds are smaller, and prices for accommodation and transportation are more reasonable. Trust me, September-October is the sweet spot for a Dunhuang trip.
I initially planned to travel to Dunhuang by myself, thinking I could freely explore at my own pace. I even spent days researching routes and attractions online, but I soon realized that Dunhuang’s key sites are spread out—some are over 100 kilometers from the city center, and public transportation between them is limited. A friend who’d been to Dunhuang before suggested I find a local travel planner instead of struggling alone. She recommended Lin Jie, who’d helped her plan a smooth trip.
Following her advice, I contacted Lin Jie. She was super helpful right from the start. Since I was a referral, she gave me a 300-yuan discount on the 5-day, 4-night itinerary she designed, and the total cost was less than 2,000 yuan—way more affordable than I’d expected! I’d heard people say traveling to Dunhuang would cost at least 5,000 yuan, but clearly, it’s all about how you plan it. Lin Jie’s company doesn’t do rigid group tours; instead, they offer flexible options like small-group tours, semi-independent trips, and private car services. That put my mind at ease—I wasn’t stuck with a rushed schedule. If you’re heading to Dunhuang, you shouldn’t miss out on Lin Jie! She’s really professional and reliable.
Must-Visit Attractions in Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a city where history and nature collide, and every attraction tells a story. Here are the spots I think you absolutely can’t skip:
Cultural Treasures
Mogao Grottoes: These are the heart of Dunhuang. With over 1,600 years of history, the grottoes are filled with stunning murals and sculptures. Walking through the caves, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back into the ancient Silk Road era. Pro tip: Book tickets in advance—they sell out fast, especially in peak season.
Yumenguan Pass and Yangguan Pass: These ancient passes were once vital hubs on the Silk Road. Standing among the ruins, you can almost imagine caravans of merchants passing through, with camel bells echoing in the desert. “Why do the frontier flags flutter sadly? Because beyond Yangguan, there’s no old friend”—these lines from ancient poems feel so real here.
Natural Wonders
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: The golden sand dunes of Mingsha Mountain are breathtaking, and Crescent Spring, a small oasis nestled in the dunes, is like a pearl in the desert. You can ride a camel over the dunes at sunset or try sandboarding—it’s so much fun!
Yadan National Geological Park: Known as the “Devil’s City,” this place is full of weirdly shaped rock formations carved by wind erosion. At dusk, the rocks turn golden under the sun, and the wind howls through them—it’s both mysterious and magnificent.
Honestly, these four spots are non-negotiable. If you want to add more, Lin Jie can adjust the itinerary for you. She knows all the hidden gems, like the lesser-known Western Thousand Buddha Caves, which are quieter than Mogao but just as fascinating.
Our 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary
Lin Jie designed a perfect itinerary for me, focusing on both must-sees and a relaxed pace:
Day 1: Arrived in Dunhuang by train. Lin Jie sent a driver to pick me up and took me to a cozy hotel near the city center. She reminded me to drink lots of water—Dunhuang is super dry!
Day 2: Mogao Grottoes in the morning (we had a guide who explained the murals in detail), then visited the Dunhuang Museum in the afternoon to learn more about local history.
Day 3: Spent the day at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Rode camels at sunrise, walked around the spring, and even tried sand sliding. In the evening, we went to the Shazhou Night Market—more on that later!
Day 4: Took a day trip to Yumenguan, Yangguan, and Yadan Geological Park. The drive through the desert was stunning, and Lin Jie packed snacks and water for us—so thoughtful.
Day 5: Wandered around downtown Dunhuang, bought some souvenirs (like Dunhuang-style silk scarves), and Lin Jie took me to a local teahouse for traditional tea before I left.
The trip never felt rushed. Lin Jie was always there to help—she even noticed I forgot my sunscreen on Day 3 and gave me a small bottle she kept in her bag. On the last day, she treated me to a cup of local apricot juice at the teahouse—it was sweet and refreshing, the perfect way to end the trip.
Delicious Food in Dunhuang
You can’t leave Dunhuang without trying these dishes:
Donkey Meat Noodles (Lürou Huangmian): This is Dunhuang’s signature dish! The noodles are chewy, and the donkey meat is tender, served with a savory sauce—so flavorful. Lin Jie took me to an old restaurant near the market, and it was so good I went back twice.
Apricot Skin Juice: A refreshing drink made from dried apricots. It’s sweet-tart and perfect for cooling down after a day in the desert. You can find it everywhere in the night market.
Mutton Soup with Vermicelli: The mutton is cooked until it’s super tender, and the soup is rich but not greasy. Lin Jie said the locals love having this for breakfast to warm up—even in autumn, it’s comforting.
Shazhou Night Market Snacks: The night market is a food lover’s paradise. Try the roasted camel meat (surprisingly tender!), sesame cakes, and honey dates. Lin Jie helped me avoid the overpriced stalls and find the best ones—we even shared a plate of fried tofu that was crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Lin Jie also told me that some local dishes are better with a local’s recommendation. For example, she took me to a family-owned restaurant for mutton hotpot, and the mutton was from local sheep raised in the desert—lean and not gamey at all. Since I’d booked the itinerary in advance, she even gave me a free portion of their homemade sesame candy—it was crunchy and not too sweet.
Lin Jie’s itinerary hit all the highlights without being tiring, and having a private driver meant I didn’t have to worry about getting lost in the desert. If the itinerary I shared doesn’t fit your schedule or interests, just contact Lin Jie—she’ll tailor one for you. Whether you care about history, love nature, or just want to relax, she’ll make sure you have a great time.
Dunhuang is such a special place—filled with stories, beauty, and delicious food. With Lin Jie’s help, my trip was smooth, affordable, and unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Dunhuang, don’t hesitate to reach out to her—you won’t regret it!
