Dunhuang, a city full of historical and cultural connotations and unique natural landscapes in Gansu Province, China, attracts numerous tourists every year. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your trip to Dunhuang and avoid common pitfalls.
Transportation to Dunhuang
By Air: Dunhuang Airport has direct flights to many major cities in China. It's very convenient to take the airport shuttle bus, which costs 10 yuan per person, to get to the city center.
By Train: Dunhuang Railway Station is about 15 kilometers away from the city center. You can take a taxi, which costs about 30 - 35 yuan.
Accommodation Recommendations
In Downtown Dunhuang: It is convenient in transportation and some hotels offer free airport pick-up and drop-off services. It's also close to the Shazhou Night Market, with a high cost performance.
Near Mingsha Mountain: You can enjoy the sunrise and sunset, but the price is relatively high, which is suitable for those with sufficient budget.
Travel Routes/Three-Day Tour
Day 1: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring
Morning: Arrive in Dunhuang and check in at the hotel to have a rest.
Afternoon: Go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring at about 5 p.m. to avoid the strong sunlight. You can ride a camel and climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic view of Crescent Moon Spring. The soft ladder up the mountain can save you a lot of energy.
Evening: Watch the sunset in the desert. The scenery is extremely beautiful.
Day 2: Mogao Caves and "See Dunhuang Again" Performance
Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves in the morning. Book tickets in advance on the official website. It is recommended to choose the A-class tickets which allow you to visit 8 caves with a professional guide.
Afternoon: After visiting the Mogao Caves, you can go to see the immersive performance "See Dunhuang Again" to learn more about the history and culture of Dunhuang.
Day 3: Yumen Pass and Yadan Geopark
All Day: Charter a car to go to Yumen Pass and Yadan Geopark. The landscape of Yadan Geopark is spectacular, especially at sunset.
Four-Day Tour
Day 1: Zhangye-Jiayuguan
Morning: Start from Zhangye and go to Qicai Danxia. The best time to visit is in the morning or evening when the colors are the most vivid.
Afternoon: Head to Jiayuguan in the afternoon and visit Jiayuguan Pass in the evening.
Day 2: Jiayuguan-Dunhuang
Morning: Visit the Great Wall First Pier and then go to Dunhuang.
Afternoon: Check in at the hotel in Dunhuang and have a rest.
Day 3: Mogao Caves-Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring
Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves.
Afternoon: Go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset.
Day 4: Yangguan-Yumen Pass-Yadan Geopark
All Day: Take a car to visit Yangguan, Yumen Pass and Yadan Geopark.
Pitfall Avoidance Tips
Mogao Caves: Book A-class tickets 30 days in advance on the official website or WeChat official account. Don't buy emergency tickets on site, which can only let you visit 4 caves.
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: Enter the scenic spot after 5 p.m. to avoid the sun. Wear high-top sports shoes or rent anti-sand shoe covers. Protect your electronic devices from sand.
Yadan Geopark: It is recommended to charter or share a car to avoid the crowds of tour buses. The best shooting time is after 4 p.m.
Food: In Shazhou Night Market, be careful of overpriced "net red" stores. The "camel meat" near the scenic spots is mostly fake. It is recommended to try authentic local food such as donkey yellow noodles, apricot peel water, mutton powder soup and fried cakes.
Transportation: For the western line, it is more convenient to charter a car. The price of a 5-seater SUV is about 400-500 yuan per day.
In conclusion, Dunhuang is a place full of charm. As long as you plan your trip well and avoid these common pitfalls, you will surely have an unforgettable travel experience. Enjoy your journey in Dunhuang and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture and magnificent natural scenery.
