September is one of the best months to visit Dunhuang. During this time, the temperature is pleasant, rainfall is scarce, and sandstorm days are rare—all of which greatly enhance the travel experience. However, Dunhuang’s unique desert climate and geographical characteristics still require targeted preparations. Specifically, you can focus on five core aspects: clothing, sun protection, essential items, itinerary planning, and dietary health.
I. Clothing: Balance "Temperature Variation" and "Sandstorm Protection"
Dunhuang experiences extreme day-night temperature differences in September (it may reach 25-30°C during the day but drop to 10-15°C at night). Occasional gentle winds or sand drifts also occur, so clothing should be "layered and practical":
Core Outfit: Prioritize "short sleeves/thin long sleeves + outerwear" for easy adjustment—remove layers when it’s hot during the day and add them when it cools down at night.
Daytime: Wear breathable cotton short sleeves or quick-drying T-shirts (quick-drying fabrics are more comfortable after sweating in desert areas). Avoid chemical fiber fabrics, as they absorb heat and trap moisture.
Nighttime/Early Morning/Late Evening: Prepare a thin outer layer (e.g., a denim jacket, lightweight hardshell jacket, or knitted cardigan). If you plan to watch the sunrise/sunset at Mingsha Mountain, bring a slightly thicker windproof jacket (the wind is stronger at the top of the dunes).
Bottoms: Opt for long pants (e.g., casual pants or quick-drying pants) instead of shorts/skirts. This prevents sand from chafing your legs at Mingsha Mountain and reduces direct UV exposure to your legs.
Shoes: Wear non-slip, closed-toe, easy-to-clean sneakers/hiking shoes. Sandals or slippers are strictly not recommended—sand will get inside, causing discomfort while walking. You can also bring a pair of lightweight slippers for cleaning sand off your feet after returning to the hotel.
II. Sun Protection: Dunhuang’s UV Rays Are "Incredibly Strong"—Comprehensive Protection Is a Must
Located on the edge of the desert, Dunhuang sits at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters. The air is dry with few clouds, making UV intensity much higher than in plain areas. Although September is not as sweltering as July-August, inadequate sun protection can still lead to sunburn and tanning:
Facial Protection:
Wear a wide-brimmed hat/sun hat (it covers your forehead, ears, and nape, offering broader protection than a baseball cap).
Wear polarized sunglasses to prevent eye damage from intense desert glare—sand reflection at Mingsha Mountain can cause eye discomfort.
Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+ and PA+++ or higher). Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2-3 hours (especially in open areas like Mingsha Mountain, where sweating accelerates sunscreen breakdown).
Body Protection: If wearing short sleeves, apply sunscreen to your arms. Pay extra attention to easily overlooked areas like your neck and behind the ears. If you are sensitive to UV rays, wear ice silk arm sleeves with sun protection factor (UPF).
III. Essential Items: Details Determine Travel Comfort
In addition to standard travel items, be sure to bring these "Dunhuang-exclusive" essentials:
Hydration Supplies: Dunhuang is extremely dry (average humidity is around 30% in September), so you need to drink over 2,000ml of water daily. Bring a large-capacity insulated water bottle (there is drinking water available at scenic spots for refills). You can also prepare a small amount of electrolyte drinks (to prevent dehydration) but avoid excessive sugary drinks (they increase thirst).
Moisturizing Skincare Products: Pack high-moisture facial cream, hand cream, and lip balm (lips and skin are prone to chapping, especially at night in hotels, where air conditioning combined with dryness can make skin tight). Use a facial mask daily to relieve dry skin.
Sandproof Small Items: September occasionally has gentle winds, so bring a thin silk scarf/chiffon scarf. It is soft, protects against sand getting into your eyes/nose/mouth, and doubles as a photo prop—pairing it with desert backdrops creates stunning photos. If worried about sand getting into your bag, bring a few sealed plastic bags (for storing electronics like phones and cameras).
Other Practical Items:
ID Card: All scenic spots (e.g., Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain) require real-name registration—keep it with you at all times.
Power Bank: Scenic spots in Dunhuang are far apart, and phones consume a lot of power for photography and navigation. Bring a power bank with a capacity of 20,000mAh or more.
Small Amount of Cash: Some small restaurants and convenience stores may not support mobile payments—prepare a few hundred yuan in cash for emergencies.
Gastrointestinal Medicines/Cold Remedies: The dry climate easily causes internal heat; eating too much greasy food (e.g., lamb) may upset your stomach. Large day-night temperature differences also increase the risk of colds—having basic medicines on hand will give you peace of mind.
IV. Itinerary Planning: Book in Advance to Avoid Crowds
September is a peak travel season in Dunhuang (summer vacation has just ended, and National Day is yet to come—crowds are relatively moderate, but popular scenic spots still require advance preparation). The Mogao Grottoes, in particular, must be booked in advance:
Mogao Grottoes Tickets:
Book 7 days in advance via the "Mogao Grottoes Visit Reservation Website" or the "Dunhuang Academy" WeChat official account. Choose "Regular Visit Tickets" (including a film at the Digital Exhibition Center + on-site cave visits). Tickets are limited daily during peak season—booking late may only leave "Emergency Tickets," which exclude the digital film and allow access to fewer caves.
Arrive at the Digital Exhibition Center 30 minutes early on the visit day to pick up tickets with your ID card. Do not be late (film screenings are scheduled, and lateness may cause you to miss the show).
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring:
It is recommended to enter the scenic area after 4 PM (to avoid daytime heat). The desert is cool in the evening, and you can watch the sunset; at night, you can stargaze—Dunhuang has little light pollution in September, making the starry sky extremely beautiful.
If you want to ride a camel, book in advance via the scenic area’s official website or mini-program. Queues for camel rides can last 1-2 hours during peak season, and booking saves time.
Transportation Connections: Scenic spots in Dunhuang are scattered (Mogao Grottoes are 25km from the city center, Mingsha Mountain 6km, and Yardang National Geopark ("Devil City") 160km). For outlying attractions like Yardang and Yumen Pass, it is recommended to share a ride or join a one-day small tour group. A taxi from the city center to Yardang costs approximately 300 yuan—sharing a ride is more cost-effective, and you will have a tour guide for explanations.
V. Dietary Health: Adapt to "Northwest Flavors" and Avoid Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Dunhuang’s cuisine is dominated by Northwest Chinese dishes, which are relatively salty and oily, with plenty of lamb and wheat-based foods. First-time visitors should note:
Dietary Recommendations:
Eat more vegetables and fruits (to supplement vitamins and relieve dryness). Fruits like Hami melons and grapes in Dunhuang are ripe in September—they are sweet, so enjoy them in moderation.
Try local delicacies gradually (e.g., donkey meat noodles, lamb soup, and apricot peel water). Do not eat too much greasy food at once to avoid straining your stomach.
Apricot peel water is a signature Dunhuang drink (brewed from dried apricots, it is sweet-sour, thirst-quenching, and cooling). Drink more of it, but choose products from regular restaurants (for better hygiene).
Hydration Taboos: Do not drink unboiled water—you can safely drink the direct drinking water at scenic spots and bottled water in hotels. Avoid drinking ice water immediately after sweating (it easily irritates the stomach).
Final Tip: Dunhuang has clear weather in September, perfect for photography. Bring a piece of bright-colored clothing (e.g., a red or yellow dress/jacket)—it will make your photos stand out against the desert backdrops of Mingsha Mountain and the Gobi landscapes of Mogao Grottoes!
What is there to see and do in the Dunhuang area?A Complete Guide to Visiting Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang: A Magical Journey Encountering the Golden
