Q: What should I note for my first trip to Dunhuang in autumn, especially near the National Day holiday?
A: 1. What should I do about the large temperature difference and sudden cold winds in Dunhuang in autumn?
Autumn in Dunhuang (September - November) has obvious temperature changes, with daytime temperatures usually around 15 - 25℃ and nighttime temperatures dropping sharply to 5 - 10℃, even lower near National Day. In addition, the Gobi desert area is prone to sudden cold winds in autumn, which can make people feel colder.
If you feel cold due to the temperature drop or cold wind, first, immediately add warm clothing. It is recommended to carry a light down jacket, thick fleece jacket, or windproof coat in your bag—these clothes are easy to fold and carry, and can be put on quickly when the temperature drops. You can also prepare a warm hat and gloves, especially when visiting Mingsha Mountain in the early morning or evening (such as watching the sunrise or sunset), as the cold wind on the sand dunes is stronger.
If you accidentally catch a cold due to the temperature difference, rest in a warm place in time, drink plenty of hot water, and take regular cold medicine (such as compound paracetamol and amantadine hydrochloride tablets). Since the air in autumn is still dry, while treating the cold, continue to replenish water to avoid aggravating the cold due to dryness. If the cold is accompanied by high fever or severe cough, go to Dunhuang City People’s Hospital or other regular hospitals for treatment in time—local hospitals have rich experience in treating autumn colds.
2. What should I pay attention to when visiting scenic spots in Dunhuang during the National Day holiday (with large passenger flow)?
The National Day holiday (October 1 - 7) is a peak tourist season in Dunhuang, and scenic spots such as Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain will have a sharp increase in passenger flow.
For Mogao Grottoes, the most important thing is to book tickets in advance. The official ticketing platform usually opens ticket sales 15 - 20 days before the holiday. You need to log in to the "Mogao Grottoes" official website or app to book tickets at the specified time—tickets for popular time slots (such as 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.) are often sold out within a few minutes. On the day of the visit, arrive at the scenic spot 30 minutes in advance to avoid missing the scheduled visit time due to traffic jams or long queues. During the visit, follow the guide’s arrangement, do not crowd or jump in the queue, and do not stay in a single grotto for too long to ensure the smooth progress of the tour.
For Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, if you want to ride a camel or take a sand sled, you need to queue for a long time (sometimes up to 1 - 2 hours). It is recommended to arrive at the scenic spot before 8:00 a.m. to reduce queuing time. When taking photos at Crescent Spring or on the sand dunes, pay attention to avoiding crowds, and do not step on the protected areas of the scenic spot to prevent damage to the ecological environment. In addition, due to the large number of tourists, keep an eye on your personal belongings (such as mobile phones, wallets, and cameras) to prevent loss.
3. What are the precautions for outdoor activities in Dunhuang in autumn, such as watching the sunrise/sunset at Mingsha Mountain?
Autumn is a good season to watch the sunrise and sunset at Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang—the sky is clear, and the sunrise/sunset scenery is more magnificent. However, there are some precautions to take.
First, grasp the time and prepare for warmth. In early October, the sunrise time in Dunhuang is around 7:00 - 7:30 a.m., and the sunset time is around 18:30 - 19:00 p.m. You need to set off in advance and wear warm clothes (such as a down jacket and hat) when going out, because the temperature is very low before sunrise and after sunset.
Second, choose the right route and wear suitable shoes. When climbing the sand dunes to watch the sunrise/sunset, do not take the unmarked path at will—follow the designated route of the scenic spot to avoid getting lost or sinking into the quicksand. Wear non-slip sand boots (you can rent them at the entrance of the scenic spot for about 20 yuan/pair) to prevent sand from entering the shoes and making it difficult to walk.
Third, carry necessary supplies. Bring a small backpack with a thermos of hot water (to keep warm and replenish water), a small amount of high-energy snacks (such as chocolate and energy bars), and a mobile phone power bank (to avoid the phone running out of power when taking photos). In addition, the ultraviolet rays in autumn are still strong—do not forget to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses, even when watching the sunrise/sunset.
What is the best route from Beijing to explore the Hexi Corridor?How to make the most of your trip to Dunhuang and its surrounding areas?
