3 Days Dunhuang Tour with Mogao Caves and Yulin Caves

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dunhuang Arrival
   Marvel at the Desert Wonder and Experience Fun Desert Projects

   When you arrive at Dunhuang airport or train station, a driver and an English-speaking guide will meet you at the exit. They will be holding a welcome sign with "China Xian Tour" on it.

   After a short break at the hotel, go to visit Echo Sand Mountain Crescent Spring. These two natural wonders have existed together in harmony for thousands of years along the Silk Road. Echo Sand Mountain, aka Mingsha Mountain looks like a giant dragon, and when the wind blows, it makes a loud sound. Crescent Spring, shaped like a crescent moon, sits quietly between the sand hills like a peaceful lady.

   If you're interested, you can ride a camel or experience the thrilling dune buggies (at your own expense, your guide can help you buy the ticket.).

   After that, drive you back to your hotel.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Booked by Yourself

   

2. Day 2: Dunhuang to Yulin Grottoes
   Discover Hidden Northern Wei Murals and Silk Road Ruins

   After breakfast, we will drive for about 2 hours to Yulin Grottoes located in Jiuquan City. This Northern Wei art treasure, although not as famous as the Mogao Caves, is well preserved due to the scarcity of tourists and is considered by the vast majority of travelers as an "unexpected delight". The painted caves and magnificent murals on the cliffs will take you back to the era with strong flavor of religion.

   Afterward, visit the ruins of Suoyang City, which has a history of 1380 years and has witnessed the rise and fall of multiple ethnic minority dynasties on the Silk Road. The existing ancient city walls, temple ruins, tomb groups, and ancient rivers interweave, forming a historical picture of perfect integration of culture and nature.

   

   The last stop today is Shazhou Night Market, located in the city center. This place combines cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural experiences. You can taste specialty snacks such as apricot peel water and yellow noodle with donkey meat, and find exquisite cultural and creative products such as Dunhuang painted sculptures and mural replicas. As night falls, tourists may watch traditional Chinese music performances and street magic. Shazhou Night Market is an excellent place to experience the nightlife of the Silk Road.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Booked by Yourself

3. Day 3: Dunhuang Departure
   Trace Sixteen Dynasties through Sacred Murals

   Before leaving, you will be guided to visit a must see attraction in Dunhuang, Mogao Grottoes, aka the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, with the title of the "treasure house of oriental art". It was first built during the Former Qin Dynasty and lasted for more than a thousand years through the sixteen kingdoms, Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Western Xia and other dynasties. Nowadays, there are 735 caves preserved here, and 45000 square meters of murals and 2415 colored sculptures are preserved on the cliffs stretching over 1700 meters. While admiring various cave shapes, mineral pigment murals, colorful sculptures, as well as Flying Apsaras paintings, you can also learn about the stories behind some of important cultural relics.

   

   After the visit, have lunch. Then you will be transferred to Dunhuang airport / train station for departure. This is the end of your 3-day Dunhuang tour.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A