Written by Natalia |
Despite its remote location (about 25 km /15.5 miles southeast of Dunhuang), getting to Mogao Caves is still not that difficult as you think.
Instead of reaching to the cave site directly, all visitors must begin at the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center, the sole ticket office for the caves. From the Digital Exhibition Center, a shuttle bus in the scenic area will take visitors to the cave site in around 15 minutes.
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- Getting to Dunhuang: The Gateway to Mogao
- How to Get to Mogao Caves from Dunhuang
- Explore Dunhuang with China Xian Tour
- FAQs about Mogao Caves
Getting to Dunhuang: The Gateway to Mogao
To get to the Mogao Caves, travelers first need to reach Dunhuang. The most convenient options are flying into Dunhuang Airport or taking a high-speed train via regional rail hubs.
By Plane
Currently, Dunhuang Mogao International Airport is the only airport in the city. Visitors can fly directly to the airport from major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xiāan, Lanzhou, Chengdu.
Generally, the flights are more available during peak travel seasons (May to October). And, during lower seasons, it is limited except from Lanzhou.
If nonstop flights are not available from your city, consider making a transfer from the above cities.
By High-Speed Train
The Dunhuang Railway Station is the main high-speed station in Dunhuang. There are direct high-speed trains from Lanzhou (about 7-8 hours) and Xiāan (about 10 hours), Xining (about 6 hours), Jiayuguan (about 6 hours), Zhangye (about 4-5 hours). Still, the direct trains are not frequent from these cities, about 1-3 departures per day.
Related reading: How to get from Xian to Dunhuang
How to Get to Mogao Caves from Dunhuang
As we mentioned above, all the Mogao Caves visit should start from the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center. From here, visitors can pick up their tickets, watch films about the grottoes, and then transfer to the shuttle bus in the scenic area to reach the cave site.
From Dunhuang to Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center
See below how to get to the Digital Exhibition Center from major transportation hubs, attractions, and city center.
From Dunhuang Mogao Airport:
About 5-6 kilometers away. No direct buses available. A taxi or Didi ride to the center takes just no more than 12 minutes, and costs around 12-18 RMB.
From the City Center (Shazhou Night Market):
It is about 9 kilometers from the city center. There are direct shuttle buses from across the street of the Siyi Miyuan Hotel to the center. The ticket is 5 RMB per person, and buses depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
A taxi or Didi ride takes about 15-20-minute and costs about (about 20-30 RMB).
From Dunhuang Railway Stations:
The railway station is located just across from the Digital Exhibition Center.
Walking/Taxi: It is within walking distance. But with luggage, a quick 5-minute taxi ride is more comfortable.
From Echoing-Sand Mountain:
Echoing-Sand Mountain is about 11-12 km (6-7.5 miles) from the Mogao Digital Center. Since these are the two āmust-visitā places in Dunhuang, many travelers visit one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. A taxi between the two takes about 20-30 minutes.
From Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center to the Caves Area
Frequency: Buses depart every few minutes based on the flow of visitors.
Shuttle Hours: During peak season, the last departure time for the shuttle bus from the Digital Exhibition Center to the Mogao Grottoes is 16:10, and the official last return trip from the Mogao Grottoes to the Digital Exhibition Center departs at 18:00. Visitors are advised to plan their visit accordingly to avoid missing the last shuttle.
Recommended tour
Explore Dunhuang with China Xian Tour
Though remote, the Mogao Caves remain a cultural highlight and a must-visit on any Dunhuang tour or China Silk Road tour. Traveling here isnāt as easy as in large cities. Public transport is not very convenient, and different languages can bring extra trouble during your trip. Thatās why we suggest you choose China Xian Tourās tour service.
Apart from visiting the caves, you can also go to famous spots such as Mingsha Mountain and Shazhou Night Market to feel the local culture. If you have extra days for your trip, we can take you to more fantastic places along the Silk Road for a more comprehensive experience.
Our travel consultants will plan every detail with your preferences, and we take care of all the arrangements, including private transport, entrance tickets to sites, hotel bookings, and everything else in between.
FAQs about Mogao Caves
- Where should I stay to get to Mogao Caves easily?
Thereās no need to stay near the Mogao Caves. Accommodation and dining options around the site are limited. Your best choice is staying in downtown Dunhuang, where youāll find a much better variety of hotels and local restaurants.
Many hotels in Dunhuang, like the well-known Dunhuang Hotel, even provide free shuttle service to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center. This can make your whole trip much easier and more comfortable.
- Are the Mogao Caves wheelchair accessible, and are there ramps provided at the cave entrances?
The Digital Exhibition Center is easy to get to, with full access to ramps and elevators for every visitor. Most main walking paths at the Mogao Caves are smooth and flat. But a few individual caves do need walking up stairs. If you have trouble moving around, the workers on site are usually friendly and willing to help, and they can make proper arrangements to support you during your visit.
- How far in advance should I book my tickets? Whatās the difference between standard, emergency, and special cave tickets?
Standard tickets usually go on sale 30 days in advance. During the summer and Golden Week holidays (May to October), they can be sold out within minutes. So, advance booking is essential.
During peak season, you even need to watch for the ticket release time and grab your tickets as soon as they become available.
Regarding the difference between different ticket types:
- Standard tickets: Experience the basic highlights (Movies + 8 caves + Professional guide).
- Emergency tickets: Available during peak crowds (No movies + 4 caves only).
- Special cave tickets: Require an additional fee on site and provide access to the most exquisite and restricted areas. Suggested to book for art and history enthusiasts.
