The cost of a trip to Dunhuang can vary significantly depending on factors like travel mode, length of stay, accommodation choices, and activities. Here is a rough estimate:
Transportation Costs
Flights: If you're flying from a major city like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, a round - trip ticket can cost around 2000 - 4000 RMB. Flying from nearby cities such as Xi'an might be cheaper, approximately 1000 - 2000 RMB round - trip.
Trains: Taking a train is more budget - friendly. For example, a round - trip (hard sleeper) ticket from Xi'an to Dunhuang is about 400 - 600 RMB.
Accommodation Costs
High Season (May 1 - Oct 31): Mid - range hotels usually cost 200 - 500 RMB per night. Luxury hotels can be 500 RMB or more per night, while budget hotels and hostels might be 100 - 200 RMB per night.
Low Season (Nov 1 - Apr 30): Prices drop significantly. You can find nice mid - range hotels for 100 - 200 RMB per night, and budget options for as low as 50 - 100 RMB.
Entrance Fees
Mogao Caves: 180 RMB per person in high season and 90 RMB in low season.
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: 110 RMB in high season and 55 RMB in low season.
Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark: 50 RMB in high season and 25 RMB in low season.
Yumen Pass Site: 40 RMB in high season and 20 RMB in low season.
Food Costs
Budget Option: You can find local snacks and fast food for 30 - 50 RMB per person per day.
Mid - range Option: Dining at mid - range restaurants will cost around 50 - 100 RMB per person per day. If you want to enjoy some special local cuisine, it might cost 100 - 200 RMB per person per day.
Other Costs
Local Transportation: If you take taxis or ride - hailing services within the city, it might cost 50 - 100 RMB per day. If you rent a car or join a group tour, it could be 100 - 300 RMB per person per day.
Shows: Tickets for shows like Impression of Dunhuang cost 158 - 298 RMB.
In general, for a 3 - day trip to Dunhuang in high season, if you choose economy - class flights, mid - range accommodation, visit the main scenic spots, and have a moderate diet, you should budget around 3000 - 4000 RMB per person. In low season, it can be reduced to 1500 - 2500 RMB per person.
