Dunhuang is more than just a pearl on the ancient Silk Road; it is an unparalleled artistic treasure trove that houses 735 grottoes and 45,000 square meters of murals spanning ten centuries. As the centerpiece of this heritage, the Mogao Grottoes, together with the surrounding Yulin Grottoes, Western Thousand-Buddha Caves and Wuge Temple Grottoes, form the Dunhuang Grottoes Complex. This complex presents a sweeping panorama of the evolution of Buddhist art in China: from its introduction during the Northern Dynasties, to its golden age in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and its further development through the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Every brushstroke and every splash of color in these grottoes is a precious crystallization of ancient beliefs, artistic ingenuity and the integration of diverse cultures—earning Dunhuang its well-deserved reputation as a world cultural heritage gem.
This in-depth tour is guided by seasoned experts throughout the journey. We have handpicked the most representative grottoes, including over ten exclusive restricted grottoes from both the Yulin Grottoes and Mogao Grottoes. Join us to get up close and personal with these millennium-old artistic masterpieces, and uncover the profound history and glorious legacy of Dunhuang.
Core Highlights of the Tour
Wuge Temple Grottoes: A Unique Masterpiece of Western Xia Art
Focus on the donor portraits of the Western Xia Dynasty, and decode the early landscape of the eastward spread of Tibetan Buddhism art (all 4 grottoes included).
Western Thousand-Buddha Caves: Evidence of Architectural Evolution
Analyze the central pillar caves of the Northern Dynasties, and witness the transformation of Indian cave architecture into a distinctly Chinese style (all 4 grottoes included).
Yulin Grottoes: Two Mural Masterpieces
Marvel at two iconic murals: The Miracle Contest Between Raudraketu and Sariputra from the Tibetan Tubo period, depicting a dramatic battle between gods and demons; and Xuanzang's Pilgrimage for Buddhist Scriptures from the Western Xia Dynasty—the earliest surviving artwork depicting the story that inspired Journey to the West (all 5 regular grottoes and 4 restricted grottoes included).
Mogao Grottoes · Foundation Period: Northern Dynasties to Early Tang Dynasty
Trace the Gandhara influence in the "drapery clinging to the body" figure painting style of the Northern Dynasties; explore the innovative narrative breakthroughs of Buddhist scripture paintings in the Early Tang Dynasty (3–4 restricted grottoes included).
Mogao Grottoes · Golden Age: High Tang Dynasty to Song and Yuan Dynasties
Admire the resplendent gilded figures and blue-green landscape paintings of the High Tang Dynasty; decipher the historical codes hidden in the donor inscriptions of the Song and Yuan Dynasties (3–4 restricted grottoes included).
Winter Dunhuang Travel: Is It Worth It? A Complete 2026 Tour Guide with Prices
