The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu, is a world-renowned cultural heritage site with a long history and splendid art. It's a place that every traveler interested in history and art should visit. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you make the most of your trip.
Basic Introduction
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, are located 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. They were initiated during the Former Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms era and were continuously excavated and renovated through dynasties such as the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Western Xia, and Yuan, forming a large-scale grotto complex.
Opening Hours
High Season (April 1 to November 30): It operates from 08:00 to 18:00, and ticket checking stops at 16:10.
Low Season (December 1 to March 31): The opening hours are from 09:00 to 17:00, and ticket checking stops at 15:10.
Ticket Information
Regular Ticket: It costs 238 yuan per person in the high season. It includes two digital films, Millennium Mogao and Dreaming of the Buddha Palace, a visit to 8 physical caves with a professional guide, and a round-trip shuttle bus. Tickets can be booked 30 days in advance on the official website or WeChat mini-program "Mogao Caves Visit Reservation".
Emergency Ticket: Priced at 100 yuan per person. It offers a visit to 4 physical caves without watching the films. There might be a small number of remaining tickets available at the window on the same day.
Special Caves: They are charged separately, ranging from 200 to 1500 yuan per cave. Caves like No. 45 (Sculptures of the Prosperous Tang Dynasty) and No. 220 (Mural of the Emperor's Figure) are of extremely high artistic value. Reservations must be made on-site, and the quantity is limited.
Transportation Guide
By Air: It takes about 30 minutes to get to the Mogao Caves from Dunhuang Airport by taxi.
By Train: It's approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Dunhuang Railway Station to the Mogao Caves.
By Bus: There are special bus lines from the urban area to the Mogao Caves, which cost 8 yuan per person and run every half an hour. You can also take a taxi, which costs about 30 yuan.
Accommodation Recommendations
In the Urban Area: There are many hotels and homestays to choose from, with prices ranging from 200 to 800 yuan. It's very convenient for dining and shopping, and it's about a 15-minute drive from the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center.
Near the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center: There are mainly "Silk Road Theme" homestays, with an average price of 200 - 400 yuan per night. It's a 5-minute walk to the viewing area, but there are fewer dining options, which is suitable for those who go out early and come back late.
Food Recommendations
Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: A local specialty in Dunhuang, costing about 18 yuan per serving.
Braised Mutton with Pancakes: It costs about 50 yuan per person. The mutton is tender and the pancakes are chewy.
Must-See Caves
Cave 96: It is the landmark building of the Mogao Caves, housing a Maitreya Buddha statue as high as 35.5 meters, which is magnificent.
Cave 17: It is the famous Sutra Cave. In 1900, tens of thousands of cultural relics were unearthed here, which is one of the most important discoveries in the Mogao Caves.
Cave 45: A masterpiece of Tang Dynasty art, with exquisite murals and sculptures, demonstrating the artistic style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Cave 158: It is famous for its Nirvana Buddha statue. The Buddha statue looks serene, and the murals depict the scene of the Buddha's Nirvana.
Visiting Tips
Reservation: Tickets should be booked in advance, especially regular tickets in the high season. They can be snapped up 30 days in advance. Don't use third-party ticket agents to avoid being scammed.
Cave Tour: Photography and touching the murals are strictly prohibited in the caves. Flashlights are not allowed. You can bring your own flashlight (about 10 yuan for rent at the scenic spot).
Dress Code: The sunshine is strong in summer, so sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. It's relatively cool in the caves, so it's better to bring a light coat even in summer.
Peak Avoidance: Enter the park at 8 am when there are few visitors and the light is good, which is great for taking photos and visiting.
The Mogao Caves is a place that carries thousands of years of history and culture. Every mural and sculpture tells a story of the past. I hope this travel guide can help you have a wonderful trip in the Mogao Caves and feel the magic of ancient culture.
