Q: I’m planning to visit Dunhuang during the National Day holiday. Since it’s a peak travel season, I’m worried about crowded attractions, difficult accommodation bookings, and not knowing how to arrange my itinerary properly. Could someone give a detailed and practical plan? Also, are there any special tips for traveling to Dunhuang in early October?
A: Planning a National Day trip to Dunhuang requires balancing "must-see highlights" and "avoiding peak crowds," and here’s a practical 3-4 day itinerary plus key tips to help you make the most of your trip:
1. Itinerary Recommendation (3-4 Days, Balancing Classics and Comfort)
Day 1: Arrival + Evening Leisure in Downtown Dunhuang
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Dunhuang Airport or Railway Station. Since National Day flights/trains may be delayed, book airport/railway station transfers in advance (ride-hailing apps like Didi work here, but queues can be long—pre-booking a private car is more time-saving).
Evening: Head to Yangguan Road Pedestrian Street (the most lively area in Dunhuang). Try local snacks like Lamian noodles (hand-pulled noodles), Mogao cake (a sweet, crumbly dessert), and Lamb skewers (tender and flavorful). After dinner, wander around the street to buy small souvenirs (e.g., camel-shaped crafts, Dunhuang mural prints) or watch a short folk dance performance at a nearby square.
(Source: Charm Dunhuang Official Website)
Day 2: Mogao Grottoes + Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring (Core Classics)
8:00-12:00: Mogao Grottoes (Book Tickets 15-30 Days in Advance!)
This is the top priority—National Day tickets sell out extremely fast. Book the "Standard Ticket" (includes 8 cave visits with a professional guide) via the official "Mogao Grottoes" WeChat Mini Program or website. Arrive 30 minutes early to collect your ticket at the visitor center.
Tip: Choose a morning slot (8:00-10:00) to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. The guide will use a flashlight to show details of murals and statues—listen carefully, as photography is strictly forbidden inside caves.
13:00-14:00: Lunch
Eat at a local restaurant near Mogao Grottoes (try Yak meat hot pot for a hearty meal) or return to downtown for more options.
15:30-19:30: Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring
Visit in the afternoon to avoid the strongest sun. Rent a pair of anti-sand shoes (15-20 RMB) at the entrance—they prevent sand from getting into your shoes while climbing the sand dunes.
Don’t miss the sunset at Crescent Spring (around 18:30-19:15 in early October)—the golden sand, clear spring, and orange sky create a stunning view. You can also ride a camel (100-120 RMB per person) for a 30-minute desert experience (book camel rides on-site, but queue for 20-30 minutes on National Day).
Evening: Watch the "Dunhuang Impression·Silk Road" large-scale outdoor performance (tickets 298-498 RMB) if you’re interested in Dunhuang’s history and culture. Book tickets 2-3 days in advance to get good seats.
Day 3: Yangguan Pass + Yumen Pass + West Thousand-Buddha Caves (Historical Exploration)
These three attractions are located 60-120 km from downtown Dunhuang—rent a car (200-300 RMB/day) or join a small group tour (300-400 RMB/person, including transportation and guide) for convenience (public buses are infrequent and time-consuming on National Day).
9:00-11:00: Yangguan Pass
Known as the "Gateway to the Western Regions" in ancient times, walk along the remains of the pass and visit the Yangguan Museum to learn about the Silk Road’s history. The desert scenery around Yangguan is vast—take photos with the "Yangguan" stone stele.
12:00-13:00: Lunch
Eat at a farm restaurant near Yangguan Pass (try Desert snow chicken—a local specialty) or bring a lunch box (prepare sandwiches, fruits, and water in advance, as dining options are limited).
14:00-15:30: Yumen Pass
Another important Silk Road pass—its nickname "Square City" comes from its square shape. The remains of the city walls and beacon towers are well-preserved; walk around to feel the grandeur of ancient border defenses.
16:30-18:00: West Thousand-Buddha Caves
Less crowded than Mogao Grottoes (only 3-4 caves are open to visitors), it has murals from the same period as Mogao. The guide will explain the differences between the two grottoes—this is a great alternative if you couldn’t get Mogao tickets.
19:30: Return to downtown Dunhuang
Have dinner at a downtown restaurant (try Dunhuang rice noodles—spicy and sour, very appetizing).
Day 4 (Optional): Mingsha Mountain Morning Hike or Local Cultural Experience
If you have an extra day, wake up early (6:00-6:30) to hike Mingsha Mountain—there are far fewer people than in the afternoon, and the morning dew makes the sand cooler. Watch the sunrise over the sand dunes (around 7:00-7:15) for a quiet, beautiful start to the day.
Alternatively, join a Dunhuang mural painting workshop (150-200 RMB/person) in downtown—you’ll learn basic mural-painting techniques and create a small mural souvenir (suitable for travelers who love hands-on experiences).
2. Key Tips for National Day Travel to Dunhuang
Accommodation: Book 1 Month in Advance
Downtown Dunhuang (near Yangguan Road or Mogao Grottoes Visitor Center) is the best area to stay. Mid-range hotels (200-400 RMB/night) are cost-effective, but prices may double during National Day. Avoid booking hotels too far from downtown—transportation at night is inconvenient.
Weather & Clothing: Layer Up
Early October in Dunhuang has large temperature differences: 5-10°C in the morning/evening, 20-25°C at noon. Wear a thin down jacket or thick cardigan over a long-sleeve T-shirt—you can take off the outer layer when it’s warm. Also, bring a windproof hat and sunglasses—the desert wind is strong, and UV rays are still intense.
Transportation: Avoid Peak Hours
The peak time for visiting Mogao Grottoes is 10:00-12:00, and for Mingsha Mountain is 14:00-16:00. Arrive 1 hour earlier to skip long queues. If you rent a car, note that the roads to Yangguan/Yumen Pass are mostly national highways—drive carefully, especially after sunset (there are few streetlights).
Food: Don’t Overeat Spicy Food
Dunhuang cuisine is influenced by Northwestern Chinese flavors (spicy and oily). If you have a sensitive stomach, ask for "less spicy" when ordering. Drink plenty of water (2-3 liters per day) to stay hydrated in the dry desert climate.
By following this plan, you can cover Dunhuang’s most important attractions without feeling rushed, and handle National Day crowds more smoothly. Enjoy your trip to this "Pearl of the Silk Road"!
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