If you're longing for a journey that seamlessly combines culture and nature,
Dunhuang is an absolute gem of a destination that you simply can't miss! Here,
you'll be enchanted by the mystery of thousand - year - old murals, awed by the
grandeur of the vast desert, and tantalized by the mouth - watering flavors of
the Northwest. Grab this ultra - detailed guide to steer clear of pitfalls and
fully immerse yourself in the unique charm of Dunhuang!
I. Best Travel Seasons and Pre - trip Preparations
Recommended Time Periods
April - May: As spring nears its end, the temperature warms up, allowing you to avoid the summer tourist rush. Desert hikes and visits to scenic spots are highly comfortable during this time.
September - October: The autumn weather is clear and refreshing. Dunhuang experiences a significant temperature difference between day and night. The daytime is ideal for outdoor activities, and at night, you can encounter a breathtaking starry sky.
Essential Item List
Clothing: A three - in - one wind - proof and warm fleece - lined jacket, fleece - lined jeans, and thick - soled non - slip sports shoes (essential for desert walks).
Protection: High - factor sunscreen (SPF50+), a sun - protection face mask, polarized sunglasses, and a moisturizing lip balm (a must for the dry climate).
Others: A portable thermos cup, a sand - proof phone case, a high - capacity power bank, and a telephoto lens (perfect for capturing the beauty of the desert).
II. Comprehensive Transportation Guide
Arrival Methods
By Air: Dunhuang Mogao International Airport has direct flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Alternatively, you can first fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and then transfer to a high - speed train to Dunhuang (journey time is approximately 7 hours).
By Train: Dunhuang Railway Station is connected to cities such as Lanzhou, Xi'an, and Xining. The overnight sleeper trains are not only time - saving but also cost - effective.
Urban Transportation
From the airport to the city, you can take the airport shuttle bus (10 yuan per person) or a taxi (around 30 yuan).
Shared bikes or electric bikes in the city are convenient for short - distance trips. For traveling between attractions, it is advisable to charter a car (300 - 500 yuan per day; carpooling is more economical).
III. Must - visit Highlights
Mogao Caves - The Millennium - old Art Treasury (Ticket: 238 yuan including guided tour)
It is the world's largest and most comprehensive Buddhist art site. With 492 caves housing murals and painted sculptures spanning ten dynasties. It is recommended to book Class A tickets 30 days in advance on the "Mogao Caves Visit Reservation Website". Follow a professional guide to gain an in - depth understanding of the stories behind the murals and immerse yourself in the awe - inspiring "Oriental Louvre".
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring - Desert Wonders (Ticket: 110 yuan, multiple entries within 3 days allowed)
Ride a camel across the sand dunes (100 yuan per person) to experience the romance of the Silk Road camel caravans. Climb the sand mountain in the evening to watch the sunset. The Crescent Spring glistens like an emerald in the golden afterglow. It is recommended to try sand - dune motorcycles and sand - sledding. At night, you can even participate in star - gazing camping, lying on the sand dunes and looking up at the Milky Way, a truly dream - like experience.
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark - The Palette of the Earth (Ticket: 93 yuan including sightseeing bus)
It is about 3.5 hours' drive from Dunhuang. A one - day chartered - car trip is a good option. As the sun sets, the criss - crossed colored hills transform into a riot of colors - red, yellow, orange, green, etc. in the light and shadow, as if God had spilled a paintbox. Viewing Platform 4 is the prime location for capturing the sunset, and Viewing Platform 6 is great for panoramic shots.
Jiayuguan Pass - The Greatest Pass under Heaven (Ticket: 110 yuan)
As the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, climbing onto the city tower allows you to overlook the Gobi scenery and feel the desolation of "A single column of smoke rises straight from the desert". Inside the scenic area, you can visit the Youji General's Mansion and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall. Wearing ancient - style costumes for photos is highly recommended, as it can instantly transport you back to the ancient frontier.
Newly - discovered Hidden Treasures
Yulin Grottoes (Ticket: 40 yuan): Hailed as the "sister grottoes of Mogao Caves", it has fewer tourists, and the murals are better preserved. You can closely admire the exquisite art of the Western Xia period.
Western Thousand - Buddha Caves (Ticket: 30 yuan): Carved on the cliffs of the Dang River bank, the unique valley scenery and grotto art complement each other perfectly.
Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (Ticket: 120 yuan including sightseeing bus): Also known as the "Devil City", the wind - eroded landforms create wonders such as the "Fleet Sailing Out to Sea" and "Peacock Looking Back". When paired with sunset and starry - sky photography, the effect is simply stunning.
IV. The Tantalizing Flavors of the Northwest
Must - try Delicacies
Donkey - meat Yellow Noodles: A Dunhuang specialty. The yellow noodles are chewy and smooth, paired with savory donkey meat and a special sauce. "Daji Donkey - meat Yellow Noodles" is a highly recommended place.
Mutton Soup: Made from a rich soup boiled from sheep bones, with added mutton slices, bean curd sheets, and meatballs, and served with baked buns. It warms the body and is a real treat.
Braised Cakes with Populus euphratica: Large pieces of mutton and wide noodles are stewed together. The noodles soak up the meat flavor, becoming tender and delicious. "Shunzhang Hu - sheep Braised Cakes" is very popular.
Sweet Fermented Grains Milk Tea: The fermented sweet grains made from highland barley are paired with milk tea, offering a refreshing and grease - relieving taste. It's a must - order at "Fangha" milk tea shop.
Night Market Dining Guide
Shazhou Night Market: Here, you can sample a wide range of Northwest snacks like Scallion - fried Eggs with Allium mongolicum, Apricot Skin Juice, Pao'er Oil Cakes, and Roasted Lamb Hooves all in one go. Remember to bargain!
Dunhuang Town: A night market with an artistic atmosphere. "Liguangji" Apricot Skin Tea and handmade yogurt are highly recommended.
V. Photogenic Spots and Shooting Techniques
Mingsha Mountain: Shoot the silhouette of the camel caravan against the early - morning backlight, and use a telephoto lens to capture the "The sun setting round over the desert" in the evening.
Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center: The geometric - designed building combined with Dunhuang elements is perfect for shooting trendy photos.
Dunhuang Ancient City Film and Television Base: The Tang - and - Song - style architecture is ideal for shooting ancient - costume portraits. The ticket is 40 yuan per person.
Abandoned Oil Town (Akexai): The filming location of the movie "The Ghouls". The science - fiction - themed ruins are extremely photogenic.
VI. Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Mogao Caves: Always book tickets in advance as there are no on - site sales. Photography is prohibited inside the caves to respect the cultural heritage.
Mingsha Mountain: Wear high - top shoes to prevent sand from getting in. Hold onto the handrails tightly when riding a camel and use a phone lanyard to prevent your phone from dropping.
Sun Protection and Anti - dryness: Carry lip balm and nasal spray with you at all times and re - apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
Charter - car Precautions: Choose a driver recommended by a reliable platform or hotel. Agree on the price and route in advance.
Every grain of sand and every painting in Dunhuang holds a thousand - year - old story. With this guide in hand, go and encounter the poetry and beauty hidden in the desert!
