Dear travel enthusiasts, the 2025 Dunhuang travel guide is freshly launched! The information in guides before 2023 can no longer meet your current needs. There have been significant changes in the scenic area reservation systems, ticket policies, and transportation routes. Having just returned from a visit to Dunhuang, I know your love for this ancient city well. That's why I'm sharing this latest and most comprehensive travel information. With the National Day Golden Week approaching, the reservation slots for the Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain are in high demand. Don't miss out! Follow me, a "travel expert" who has visited Dunhuang multiple times, and you can easily avoid pitfalls, save money, and deeply experience the charm of this ancient city.
Selection of Travel Time
The best times to travel to Dunhuang are from May to June and from September to October. During these periods, the temperature is moderate. You can avoid the intense heat and enjoy the magnificent desert scenery. The late May and early October are the most cost - effective times. At this time, it the peak tourist flow of May Day and National Day, and accommodation costs can be saved by more than 30% compared to the peak season.
It should be noted that from July to August is the summer peak season. There are many tourists, and the temperature can reach up to 40℃. Tickets for the Mogao Caves are in short supply, and the waiting time for camel - riding in Mingsha Mountain may be as long as 2 hours. In winter (from November to March), although the wind is cold in Dunhuang, the scenery of the desert and Yadan after snow is extremely beautiful. However, some scenic spots may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions, so you need to leave some leeway in your itinerary planning.
Transportation Guide
How to get to Dunhuang? There are several options for you.
Dunhuang can be reached by plane, high - speed rail, and long - distance bus.
By Plane: Dunhuang Airport has opened routes covering more than 20 cities across the country. In2 025, direct flights from Shenzhen and Nanjing have been added, eliminating the need to transfer via Lanzhou.
By High - speed Rail: The high - speed rail journey from Lanzhou to Dunhuang only takes 4.5 hours. In addition, it is expected that the high - speed rail from Dunhuang to Golmud will be put into operation in 2025, which will further shorten the travel time to Qinghai.
By Long - distance Bus: There are shuttle bus services from many cities within Gansu Province to Dunhuang. However, please note that long - distance buses are generally not very comfortable and the journey is long. Unless necessary, it may not be the best choice.
For urban transportation, there are taxis, buses, electric bike rentals, and chartered car services, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Taking a Taxi: The starting price in Dunhuang urban area is set at 10 yuan. By using the "Dunhuang Travel" APP, you can enjoy an additional discount, saving about 20%. However, be aware that some drivers may be reluctant to go to attractions in the suburbs, so it is more secure to make a reservation in advance.
Taking a Bus: The bus fares in Dunhuang are affordable, and you can take a ride for 1 - 2 yuan. Notably, Bus No. 3 goes directly to the Mogao Caves scenic area. But pay attention to the bus schedules and the last - bus time to avoid affecting your itinerary.
Renting an Electric Bike: In Dunhuang, electric bikes are a flexible and convenient means of transportation. The daily rental price is around 80 - 100 yuan, which is very suitable for traveling between the urban area and Mingsha Mountain.
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Dunhuang, chartering a car can be a good option. A one - day tour itinerary usually includes the urban area, the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, and other major attractions, with a cost of about 300 yuan per car. Be sure to choose a driver with a tourism operation license to ensure the safety and smoothness of the journey. In addition, when driving to the Yadan National Geopark, it is necessary to drive an off - road vehicle or an SUV to cope with the complex road conditions and potential risks of getting stuck in the sand.
Recommended Must - visit Attractions
Among the many attractions in Dunhuang, three are absolute must - visits. They are the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, and the Dunhuang Museum. These places showcase Dunhuang's rich history and natural landscapes. With proper arrangements and protective measures, you will have an unforgettable journey.
The Mogao Caves - Exploring the Treasures of World Cultural Heritage. The Mogao Caves, known as the "Oriental Art Treasury", attract countless tourists with their unique charm and profound historical heritage. Here, you can admire precious murals and exquisite Buddha statues, experiencing the charm of ancient art.
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring - Experiencing the Miracle of a Thousand - year - old Un - dried Spring. The wonderful combination of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring is known as the "Jiangnan in the Desert", and its magnificent natural landscape is breathtaking. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the golden sand dunes and the clear Crescent Spring, feeling the magic and beauty of nature.
The Dunhuang Museum - Deeply Understanding the Essence of Silk Road Culture. The Dunhuang Museum is the best place to understand Silk Road culture. Its rich exhibitions and vivid historical reproductions make tourists feel as if they have traveled through time and experienced the charm of Silk Road culture firsthand. Here, you can deeply understand Dunhuang's history and culture, feeling the unique charm of Silk Road culture.
In addition, there are off - the - beaten - path secrets such as the Western Thousand - Buddha Caves, the Han Great Wall Ruins, and the Yangguan Ruins waiting for you to explore. Although these places are relatively unknown, they have extremely high historical value and cultural heritage, making your journey more colorful.
During the tour, remember to take protective measures, such as bringing sand - proof equipment, a large - capacity water bottle, and sunscreen. At the same time, also pay attention to avoiding pitfalls, such as booking tickets in advance, paying attention to food prices, and purchasing special products. Finally, you might as well try the special Dunhuang cuisine, donkey - meat yellow noodles, and experience this unique taste feast!
