Dunhuang in Gansu Province is a place that one must visit in their lifetime. It is a city where the ancient Silk Road converges with mysterious desert landscapes, and where rich cultural heritage meets unique natural wonders. Here are 6 attractions in Dunhuang that you simply can't afford to miss.
1. Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, located 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang City on the eastern slope of Mingsha Mountain, were first excavated in 366 AD during the Former Qin Dynasty. over ten dynasties of construction, there are currently 735 caves. These caves are a remarkable integration of architecture, sculpture, and painting art, representing the crystallization of cultural exchange between the East and the West. In 1961, it was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit, and in 1987, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The Mogao Caves are not only a treasury of ancient Buddhist art but also a witness to the prosperity of the Silk Road culture.
2. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Scenic Area is a national 5A - level tourist attraction, 5 kilometers south of Dunhuang City. The mountain is formed by the accumulation of five - colored fine sand in red, yellow, green, black, and white. Crescent Moon Spring, nestled in the embrace of Mingsha Mountain, is named for its resemblance to a crescent moon. The spring water is sweet and clear, and it is home to the rare iron - backed fish and seven - star grass, earning it the title of "the First Spring in the Desert". For thousands of years, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring have been renowned for their unique coexistence of sand and spring, known as "one of the most remarkable sights beyond the Great Wall".
3. Dunhuang Museum
Established in 1979, Dunhuang Museum is a national second - level museum. With a construction area of 7,500 square meters, it houses exhibition halls, cultural relics warehouses, screening rooms, and rest areas. The museum currently holds 14 categories of cultural relics, including stone tools and pottery. The permanent exhibition, "The Metropolis of Huá - Róng Exchange: Exhibition of Dunhuang's History and Silk Road Cultural Relics", is divided into a preface hall and eight units, providing a comprehensive introduction to the development of Dunhuang in various periods. It's a great place to explore the history and culture of Dunhuang.
4. Yangguan Pass
Yangguan Pass is a national 4A - level scenic spot which was first built during the period of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty around the 1st century BC. It got its name because it is located to the south of Yumen Pass. As a vital gateway for land transportation in ancient times, Yangguan Pass was a necessary pass on the southern route of the Silk Road and, together with Yumen Pass, formed the gateway to the Western Regions. The famous line from Wang Wei's poem, "I urge you to drink one more cup of wine; beyond Yangguan, there will be no old friends", has made Yangguan Pass widely known.
5. Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass, commonly known as Xiaofangpan City, is situated on the southern bank of the Shule River at the westernmost end of the Hexi Corridor. It was an important pass on the ancient Silk Road and a crucial part of the transportation support system in the Han Dynasty. In 2014, it was included in the World Heritage List. The existing ruins mainly include Xiaofangpan City, Dafangpan City, the Han Dynasty Great Wall, and beacon towers. Despite the erosion of time, it still gives people a sense of the majesty and desolation described in the poem "Beyond Yumen Pass, the spring breeze never blows".
6. Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark
Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark, commonly known as the Dunhuang Yadan Devil City, is an important part of the Dunhuang Global Geopark in China and one of the three most beautiful Yadan landforms in the country. The scenic area is rich in geological relics, featuring various peculiarly shaped wind - eroded landforms. It is not only a popular destination for leisure, adventure, and tourism but also a natural laboratory for studying the formation and evolution of Yadan landforms and a natural classroom for popularizing geological knowledge.
Dunhuang's allure lies in its profound history, splendid culture, and unique natural landscapes. These 6 attractions are just a part of its rich tourism resources. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an art enthusiast, Dunhuang will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore the mysteries of Dunhuang. You will surely be captivated by its charm and come to understand why it is a place that people must visit in their lifetime.
