Dunhuang, a renowned historical city in China, boasts a wealth of attractions that blend natural wonders with cultural heritages. Here are some of the must-visit places in Dunhuang:
The Mogao Grottoes
The Mogao Grottoes, with a history of over 1,600 years, is the most long-standing, well-preserved, richest in content, largest in scale, and highest in artistic value Buddhist art treasure trove in the world. It is home to 735 caves, more than 40,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 painted sculptures. These artworks vividly reflect the religious beliefs, social life, and artistic styles of different dynasties, showcasing the superb craftsmanship and wisdom of the ancient Chinese people.
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring are a pair of twin sisters in the desert. The entire mountain is composed of fine sand, and when people slide down from the top, the sand makes a 呜呜 sound. Crescent Moon Spring, located at the northern foot of Mingsha Mountain, is named for its crescent-like shape. It is known as the "First Spring in the Desert" and has amazed people for centuries with the wonder of "sand and spring coexisting, the sand not filling the spring, and the spring not drying up". Visitors can ride camels to enjoy the magnificent desert scenery or watch the sunset over the desert, which is extremely romantic.
Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass, also known as Xiaofangpan City, is a key pass on the northern route of the Silk Road to the Western Regions. It is located in the Gobi Desert west of Dunhuang City. The saying "The spring breeze does not reach Yumen Pass" has made it famous far and wide. Standing here, one can feel the vicissitudes of history and the grandeur of the ancient Han Dynasty. The desolate Gobi scenery, together with the remaining city walls and beacon towers, forms a unique and solemn landscape.
Yangguan Scenic Area
Yangguan was an important pass on the Silk Road in ancient times. It got its name because it is located south of Yumen Pass. The famous poem has made Yangguan a place full of sentiment in the hearts of people. Today, only a Han Dynasty beacon tower remains of the original Yangguan. The Yangguan Museum, located in front of it, showcases the military culture of the ancient border and the cultural relics of the Silk Road, allowing visitors to feel the rich historical heritage of the Silk Road.
Yardang National Geopark
The Yardang National Geopark, commonly known as the "Devil City", is located 158 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang City. It is a geological relic formed by wind erosion. The park is filled with large-scale, uniquely shaped Yardang landforms, such as "streets", "castles", "warships", and "pyramids", which are vivid and spectacular. At sunset, the golden light shines on these landforms, creating a mysterious and dreamy scene, making it a paradise for photographers.
Dunhuang Museum
The Dunhuang Museum is an important window for promoting Dunhuang culture and showcasing the ancient civilization of Dunhuang. With a building area of 2,400 square meters, it houses more than 4,000 cultural relics. The "Dunhuang Manuscripts" unearthed from the Mogao Caves' Library Cave, the rare Tibetan scriptures, and precious ancient geographical, meteorological, and military manuscripts are all the treasures of the museum. Through these cultural relics, visitors can deeply understand the historical evolution and cultural connotations of Dunhuang.
