Best Dunhuang Tours: Silk Road Tours with Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes 2026

For a weather-wise and immersive trip, the best time to visit Dunhuang is June, September and October (except the National Day Holiday from Oct. 1-7). During this time, the city is dominated by pleasant weather and comfortable temperature, making it an ideal time for both cultural and natural exploration and discovery. Tourists are also much fewer than the busy July and August, ensuring you more immersive experiences at the historical sites.

July and August are peak season of Dunhuang due to the school holiday in China. Expect long queues at major attractions and pretty hot midday if travel to Dunhuang during this period.  

If possible, try to avoid winter months from November to March when it is often windy and dusty, and some attractions might be closed.

Although there aren’t any subways in Dunhuang yet, there are plenty of buses and taxis for your easy access to the city’s major attractions. To easily get to the city center from the airport, travelers can take airport shuttle buses (CNY 10), public buses (CNY 3) or taxis (CNY 30 in about 20 minutes).

Six public bus lines currently serve the majority of the city’s neighborhoods and popular tourist attractions. Bus No. 3 goes directly to Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Spring. Bus No. 12 passes by the Dunhuang Railway Station and Mogao Caves.

Yardang National Geopark and Yumen Pass are relatively remote. It is recommended to combine these two sites in a day and join a guided Dunhuang tour or hire a private vehicle for flexible transport.

• Make sure to book the ticket to theMogao Caves in advance to avoid disappointments, given its super popularity.
• It is best to visit to go to Echo Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring in the late afternoon (around 5-6 pm) to avoid the strongest heat and catch the stunning sunset. The ticket allows three entries.
• Prepare a waterproof case or sealed bag to protect your phone or camera when visiting the desert.

As an important hub along the Silk Road, Dunhuang is not only home to tons of historical and natural sights but also a food aosis packed with delicious food. The many delicious snacks and dishes here offer visitors a glimpse into the stunning culinary culture of the ancient Silk Road.

On a Dunhuang tour, some of the must-try local dishes and snacks include Yellow noodles with donkey meat, Dunhuang Niang Pi Zi, braised mutton with wide noodles, and mutton soup with starch noodles.

Both Mogao Caves and Yulin Grottoes are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Mogao Caves are more popular, housing murals and sculptures from different dynasties, like the Northern Wei, Song, and Western Xia. It often sees huge crowds due to its popularity.

While the Yulin Caves are the later-period caves, seeing fewer tourists. Though with a smaller scale than Mogao, mural styles here are diverse, showing a beautiful mix of ethnic cultures.

For families with kids, the Mogao Caves are more recommended, as there is a museum where kids can understand more and get more interested in the caves before visiting. Yulin Grottoes are more recommended for those who want to admire the mural art peacefully and enjoy the natural and historical wonders in one go.

Don’t like most remote cities in northwest China, Dunhuang offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end hotels and unique camping experiences, as a popular destination along the ancient Silk Road.

Generally, it is advised to choose hotels in the downtown areas, given their easy access to major attractions, like the Mogao Caves. Hotels near the Echoing Sand Mountains area, like the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, offer easy access to the desert scenes and activities.  

During a Dunhuang trip, we usually advise our visitors to choose locally featured guesthouses and hostels instead of international hotel brands to get close to locals’ everyday customs and lifestyles. High-end camping options near the Echoing Sand Mountains are also great options for immersive desert experiences.