As the Year of the Horse gallops toward us, it’s time to leave the worries of 2025 in the dust and embrace a season of heat and wonder. Dunhuang has prepared a city-wide "Blind Box" of festivities—a collection of mystery and joy waiting for you to unwrap. Bring your curiosity to the scene and prepare for an experience that is truly beyond imagination!
Immersive Lights and Folk Spectacles
The city will be transformed into a glowing wonderland starting with the "Thousand Lanterns of Dunhuang" and Street Performance Season (Jan–March) at the Night Market. The celebration peaks with the "Ancient Rhymes & Galloping Tides" Shehuo Performances and Float Parades (Feb 10–March 1), where traditional folk arts will take over the main streets and the Grand Theater Square in a vibrant display of local pride. Don't miss the breathtaking "Iron Flower" (Tiehua) Folk Show (Feb 28–March 2) at the Danghe River, where molten iron creates a rain of golden sparks against the night sky.
The Spirit of the Steed: High-Energy Action
In honor of the Horse Year, witness the thundering hooves of the Ancient City "Horse Battle" Reenactments (Feb 16–March 3), bringing Silk Road history to life with adrenaline-pumping stunts. For a modern twist, look to the skies for the "Dawn of Dunhuang & Galloping Horse" Drone Light Show (Feb 21–22) at the Danghe Scenic Line. The festivities culminate in the massive "Qi Ji" Fireworks Gala (March 3) near the White Horse Pagoda Bridge, lighting up the desert sky to welcome a prosperous new year.
Artistic Heritage and Intellectual Soul
Cultural enthusiasts can dive into the 10th National Folk Music & Dance Art Week (Feb 8–12) at the Feitian Theater or enjoy the local heritage of the 12th Dunhuang Opera (Quzi) Competition (Feb 24–March 1) at Xiangyun Square. For those seeking mental stimulation, the 2nd Intellectual Sports Games (Feb 9–10) offers a competitive arena for strategy and skill, while the Grand Square Dancing Competition (March 2) showcases the community's vibrant energy.
Creative Workshops and Hands-on Traditions
The Dunhuang Library and "Dunhuang Boundless" will host a series of intimate cultural workshops. Join the Hanfu Makeup Show and Dunhuang Caisson Wood-carving session (Feb 15) to wear and create pieces of history. Families can also enjoy crafting "Cute Horse" New Year Hats (Feb 22) or traditional Silk Road Lanterns (March 1) to celebrate the Lantern Festival, ensuring that every visitor takes a piece of Dunhuang’s soul home with them.
Discovering the Silk Road: The Best Time to Visit Dunhuang in 2026Unwrap the Wonders of Dunhuang: Your 2026 Year of the Horse "New Year Blind Box"
