Written by Natalia |
In recent years, the city of Dunhuang has become more and more popular with visitors from all over the world. Located in Northwest China, it is most famous for being an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. Many historic treasures have been left behind. Mountain and desert landscapes gave life to the unique regional culture of Dunhuang. Itās a wonderful destination for your China tour.
This article is here to help you with planning a trip to Dunhuang. You can read about tips on the top attractions and what to do in Dunhuang, itinerary guide, local weather, transportation, and other essential travel information.
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- Why Travel to Dunhuang
- Top Attractions in Dunhuang
- How Many Days to Plan for a Dunhuang Trip: Recommended Dunhuang Itineraries
- Dunhuang Weather & Best Time to Visit Dunhuang
- How to Get to Dunhuang
- How to Get Around Dunhuang
- What to Pack for Dunhuang
- Where to Stay in Dunhuang
- What to Eat in Dunhuang
- What Souvenirs to Buy in Dunhuang
- Travel Tips for Visiting Dunhuang
- FAQsĀ on Planning a Dunhuang Tour
- Plan a Trip to Dunhuang with China Xian Tour
Why Travel to Dunhuang
- Heritage of the Silk Road: As one of the top destinations along the Silk Road, Dunhuang used to be an important center for commercial and cultural exchange. You will discover many heritage sites that have withstood history, with Mogao Caves the most outstanding one.
- Amazing Desert Sceneries: Dunhuang is an oasis city situated at the edge of the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts. When you travel to Dunhuang, you can venture into the nearby desert areas for the incredible views and fun activities.
- Unique Regional Cultures: Located in Northwest China, Dunhuang has been the crossroad of Eurasian cultures. Together with heavy influences of central China, it is an exciting destination for culture lovers.
Top Attractions in Dunhuang
Mogao Caves
- Location: 25āÆkm (15 miles) from Dunhuang city center
- How to Get There: taxi or bus No. 12
- Ticket Price: from CNY 100 to 238 depending on your chosen package
Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, is the top attraction of Dunhuang. Itās an important historical site first built during the Sixteen Kingdoms period (366 AD). With a total of 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 clay painted sculptures, the site has the largest collection of Buddhist art in the world. Along with Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes, Mogao Caves is one of the Four Great Grottoes in China.
There are only a number of caves open for visit. Different caves were constructed during different times in Chinese history and have unique themed highlights. You can expect frescos depicting social and religious life with foreign influences brought in by the Silk Road, cave paintings of folk and Buddhist tales, and valuable scriptures and manuscripts of the Library Cave. Mogao Caves will be the absolute highlight of your trip to Dunhuang.
Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake
- Location: 5 km (3 miles) south of Dunhuang city center
- How to Get There: taxi or bus No. 3
- Ticket Price: CNY 55 off season and CNY 110 during peak season
The Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent LakeĀ is the most famous natural attraction of Dunhuang. The mountain (Mingsha Shan) is a sand dune named after the natural phenomenon that when the sand grains are moved against each other by the wind, they make an echoing sound. And surrounded by these sand hills is a crescent moon-shaped lake in the middle of the desert. Together they make a wonderful sight.
The attraction is excellent for photography especially at sunset. You can take part in desert activities like camel riding and sand sliding. Itās an essential stop for Dunhuang tours.
Yardang National Geological Park
- Location: 185 kilometers (115 miles) northwest of Dunhuang City
- How to Get There: private car or shuttle buses from downtown
- Ticket Price: CNY 50
Yardang National GeoparkĀ is a UNESCO listed heritage site for its unique Yardang landform. It is full of rocks of fantastic shapes that are the results of the unique desert environment. The rocks resemble buildings, well-designed architecture, animals, and all kinds of shapes. The park is therefore compared to the ruins of an abandoned ancient city and is often called the āGhost Cityā because of the ghostly sound that it makes when the wind blows by.
Dunhuang Museum
- Location: No. 1390 Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang
- How to Get There: taxi from downtown Dunhuang
- Ticket Price: free
Visiting the cityās museum is another top thing to do in Dunhuang. Dunhuang Museum is located in the downtown area, on the way to the Echoing-Sand Mountain, making it a convenient stop for your trip. With over 10,000 artifacts, it showcases 2000 years of history of the city and the Silk Road. Itās a great destination to learn about some background information for your Silk Road tour.
Yumen Pass
- Location: Yangguan Town, 90 km (56 miles) northwest of Dunhuang City
- How to Get There: private car
- Ticket Price: CNY 40
Yumen Pass built in Western Han Dynasty was one of the two passes to the western regions in ancient China. It played a significant role in the history of the Silk RoadĀ because it was the only gateway for the northern route, and it was named so (Jade Gate Pass) because of its major trade item. Today, it is the best-preserved large-scale pass of the Silk Road that you can visit on your trip to Dunhuang.
How Many Days to Plan for a Dunhuang Trip: Recommended Dunhuang Itineraries
Generally, we recommend 2-4 days for a trip to Dunhuang. If your circumstances allow, you should consider extending your trip to other parts of the Silk Road. Here are some recommended Dunhuang trip itineraries.
Sample Itinerary for 2 Days in Dunnhuang
- Day 1: Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake ā Dunhuang Night Market
- Day 2: Mogao Grottoes
Recommended tour
Sample Itinerary for 3 Days in Dunhuang
- Day 1: Dunhuang Arrival – Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake
- Day 2: Yulin Grottoes ā Ruins of Suoyang City ā Dunhuang Night Market
- Day 3: Mogao Grottoes
Recommended tour
Sample Itinerary for 4 Days in Dunhuang
- Day 1: Dunhuang arrival, independent exploration
- Day 2: Mogao Grottoes ā Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake ā Dunhuang Night Market
- Day 3: Yumen Pass ā the Great Wall of Han Dynasty ā Yardang National Geopark
- Day 4: Dunhuang departure
Suggested tour
Dunhuang Weather & Best Time to Visit Dunhuang
The city of Dunhuang is characterized by a temperate continental arid climate. Located in inland Northwest China, it receives little rainfall throughout the year. It is dry and sees plenty of sunshine. The temperature difference between day and night tends to be great. August is the hottest month, but the evenings can still be cool. Winters can get pretty cold with the coldest days falling in January.
The best time to visit Dunhuang is generally from late spring to mid autumn, May to October. These months tend to have the best weather conditions for outdoor travel.Ā The following table is for your reference of Dunhuangās weather by seasons:
Season |
Months |
Average Temperature |
Characteristics |
Spring |
March to May |
5-20Ā°C |
increased sunshine, maybe windy, sandstorms may be common |
Summer |
June to August |
25-32Ā°C |
hot and dry, strong UV |
Autumn |
September to November |
10-25Ā°C |
crisp and dry, clear days |
Winter |
December to February |
-10-4Ā°C |
harsh cold, possible snow |
Keep on reading China Silk Road Weather and Best Time to VisitĀ if your travel to the Silk RoadĀ includes more destinations than just Dunhuang.
How to Get to Dunhuang
Dunhuang City is located in Gansu Province. Although it is not the capital city of the province, it has its own international airport. You can travel to Dunhuang either by flight or train.
By Flight
Dunhuang International Airport is about 13 km (8 miles) from the city. Though there arenāt many international flights available, it has connections to many major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Chengdu. If youāre traveling to Dunhuang from your home country, itās highly recommended that you make a transfer in one of Chinaās gateway cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, etc.
From the airport, you can either take a shuttle bus to the city center for CNY 10 which will only take around 20 minutes or take a taxi for about CNY 30.
By Train
If youāre getting to Dunhuang from another cityies along the Silk Road, taking the high-speed rail is a good idea. You will be traveling to Dunhuang Railway Station, the second largest railway station in Gansu Province. The high-speed trains with serial numbers starting with G or D, are a lot faster than the normal trains, starting with K or Z but will be more expensive as well.
Depending on where youāre traveling from, make a comparison between taking the high-speed train and a plane. If youāre somewhere near Dunhuang or Gansu Province, the train will save you a lot of time and trouble. However, if youāre traveling from a further city, the plane might be more time efficient.
How to Get Around Dunhuang
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
To get around within the city, taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and cheap. Since major attractions and the busy areas are relatively close by, taxis will not cost much. Ride-hailing services such as DiDi allows you to reserve a private ride from wherever you are.
City Bus
The city bus system is cheap and popular among locals. However, it will be more difficult to navigate compared to taxis. The bus lines in Dunhuang are relatively limited than biggrer cities. There usually arenāt signs in English, nor will there be calling notice at each stop. This is a better option for visitors who are at least a little familiar with the area and can speak basic Chinese.
For your reference, the two most practical bus routes in Dunhuang are:
- Bus No. 3: goes directly to Mingsha Mountain. Ticket fare is CNY 1 or 2.
- Bus route from Dunhuang city center to the Mogao Grottoes: departs from Dunhuang Hotel (ę¦ē é„åŗ); run every half hour with a ticket price of CNY 8 per person.
Private Transfer
Private transfer services might be the most expensive of the three but will definitely save you a lot of time and hassle. You will have your own driver on stand-by to cater to your needs. We have many popular China toursĀ providingĀ private transfer services for our travelers to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
What to Pack for Dunhuang
Besides the travel essentials, here are some key items that you might want to pack for a trip to Dunhuang.
- Layered clothing for temperature swings between night and day
- Essential UV protectionslike sunscreen and sunglasses
- Wind and sand protection like hats and masks
- Hydration products like moisturizer and chapsticks
- Comfortable walking shoes
Where to Stay in Dunhuang
Since the attractions, airport, and train station are pretty concentrated, itās a great idea to stay in downtown Dunhuang for your convenient transport to major attractiions and food streets. Although there may not be as many accommodation options in Dunhuang as in major cities, you can still choose from a range of five-star to budget hotels. Dunhuang Grand Soluxe Hotel is a popular five-star choice, and there are many four-star options like Dunhuang Hotel and Dunhuang Tianrun International Hotel.
What to Eat in Dunhuang
Dunhuang offers typical northwestern Chinese food that is known for its meat dishes and noodles. The hearty meals are perfect for warding off the winter cold. And thanks to the temperature drop between day and night, the fruits grown in the area are particularly tasty. Here are some famous dishes to try on your trip to Dunhuang.
- Yellow Noodles with Donkey Meat is the signature specialty of Dunhuang. The chewy noodles are topped with a brown sauce, mushroom, and bean curd. Donkey meat is sliced and served on the side.
- Dunhuang Niang Pi Zi is a classic snack of Gansu Province. Its noodles made of high-quality flour, steamed, and served cold, topped with a variety of spicy and sour condiments. Itās a great snack for a hot summer day.
- Noodles with Mutton Broth is a go-to dish for locals. The hot mutton broth is tasty and warms you up quickly on a winter day. As a regional favorite, mutton is something you must try in Northwest China.
- Lanzhou Beef Noodle may be one of the most famous Chinese foodsĀ across the country. Although it is originated from Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province, you can still find some pretty authentic restaurants in Dunhuang. Itās best known for its chewy, hand-pulled noodles.
- Apricot Peel Water is a traditional drink from Dunhuang. Made with the local fruit, it is sweet and slightly sour. Youāll find it in almost every restaurant or market.
What Souvenirs to Buy in Dunhuang
Dunhuang Night Market, or Shazhou Night Market, is where youāll find the best souvenirs to take home. There are all kinds of stalls selling handicrafts, traditional snacks, and preserved foods. Some special items to buy include wax printings, wood carvings, and painted sculptures.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dunhuang
- Culture & Etiquette: Itās important to note that you might experience many cultural differences in Dunhuang since itās not a major international hub. At attractions, especially the Mogao Caves, there are certain rules to follow during your visit. For example, photography or touching may be forbidden in many of the grottoes.
- Currency and Payments: The currency for mainland China is the Chinese Yuan. These days, most daily payments are done electronically through payment apps on the phone. Itās highly recommended that you download WeChat Pay or Alipay before your trip to make payments easier.
FAQsĀ on Planning a Dunhuang Tour
What is Dunhuang famous for?
Dunhuang is famous for being an important stop along the historical Silk Road. Mogao Caves is one of the top attractions along the Silk RoadĀ with an amazing collection of Buddhist art and treasures.
How many days are recommended for a comprehensive trip to Dunhuang covering the main sites without rushing?
Itās generally recommended that you plan for at least 2-4 days for a Dunhuang trip. To take your time and work in some flexibility in your itinerary, 3 or 4 days are recommended to cover the main highlights.
Which major attractions in Dunhuang are must-sees for a first-time visitor?
Mogao Caves, the Echoing-Sand Mountain, and the Crescent Lake are absolutely muse-sees. In the evening, you should stop by the Dunhuang Night Market.
What are the main transportation stationsĀ for reaching Dunhuang (e.g., airports, train stations)?
You can fly into Dunhuang International Airport or take a train to Dunhuang Train Station.
Where is the best area to stay in Dunhuang?
The downtown area of Dunhuang is the best area to stay in.
Plan a Trip to Dunhuang with China Xian Tour
Plan your trip to Dunhuang with China Xian Tour. Our travel experts can help you customize the perfect itineraryĀ for you. You will be accompanied by our professional English-speaking guides who will answer your questions about the city and China. Travel hassle-free with our private transfer service. Here are some great Dunhuang tours that our customers loved.
