2024 Dunhuang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Dunhuang is located in western Gansu, an oasis in the vast Gobi Desert. Previously one of the important and strategic cities on the famous Silk Road, it contains over 2,000 years of history. Dunhuang is one of the frontier towns established around 104 BC, serving as a fortification to protect against invading tribes. Centuries later, Dunhuang was the main communication post between ancient China and the rest of the world. Christian and Jewish artifacts have been found in the area, showing the variety of travelers who made the journey along the Silk Road. Its style has fascinated travelers for ages. The Thousand Buddha Grottoes (or Mogao Caves) to the southeast of the city are a precious treasure trove of Buddhist art. There are exquisite wall paintings and statuary. Head northwest from Mogao Caves to the Great Wall at Yumen Pass and the Great Wall at Yang Pass to see the remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, which were left behind in these famous mountain passes. Dunhuang's natural landscape is extremely worth seeing and enjoying. The wondrously multicolored Danxia Landform is a favorite place among photography lovers.
Today's Weather
Clear -17--1℃
Popular Attractions
Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
Mogao Grottoes
Encore Dunhuang
Yangguan Pass Relic tourism District
Site of Yumen Pass
Dunhuang 4 Days 3 Nights Without Special Forces Check-in, Play More Easily
Visited Dunhuang twice,
Really like this city,
Eating meat heartily, but culturally very delicate.
Must experience:
✔️ Costume travel photography, such as flying fairy, Hanfu, etc.
✔️ Desert camping
✔️ Must-visit attractions
✔️ Eat local specialties like donkey meat yellow noodles, Hu sheep braised cake 🫓
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♾️ "Travel Route"
DAY1️⃣: Arrive in Dunhuang - Dunhuang Museum - Desert Camping 🏕️
DAY2️⃣: Desert 🏜️ Sunrise - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring
DAY3️⃣: Mogao Caves - See Dunhuang Performance Again
DAY4️⃣: Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City - Desert Sculpture Group such as Son of the Earth
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🚗 "Transportation"
It is recommended to drive the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, or the Dunhuang-Lanzhou route, which offers a lot of content and flexible timing. If the holiday is short, you can choose to fly to Dunhuang, then take a bus or taxi to explore locally.
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🔆 "Attraction Experience"
1️⃣ Dunhuang Museum (Free, reservation required in advance)
Highly recommended! Must-visit! Focusing on the development of Dunhuang through the ages, it showcases different lifestyles. The collection is rich and full of local characteristics.
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2️⃣ Desert Camping
When you arrive in Dunhuang, you must stay in the desert for a night! Gather around the bonfire, eat buffet barbecue, watch the stars at night, and climb the sand slope to watch the sunrise in the morning. It will be an unforgettable experience!
There are many campsites to choose from on Ctrip. If you have a high budget, you can directly book a high-end luxury camp. When we went early, there were only small tents distributed outdoors. Now it’s much more comfortable!
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3️⃣ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 💰110
One of the eight scenic spots in Dunhuang, a crescent moon in the desert 🌙. You can ride camels, take a helicopter for a bird's-eye view, climb the slope to watch the sunset, and enjoy a concert with thousands of people.
✔️ There are many travel photography studios at the entrance, you can book styling and photography, highly recommended, you won't regret it.
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4️⃣ Mogao Caves 💰Regular ticket 238 💰Emergency ticket 100
Thousand Buddha Caves, also a must-visit attraction in Dunhuang. Tickets must be booked in advance! If you can get a regular ticket, don't get an emergency ticket.
Regular tickets allow you to see 8 caves, 2 digital movies, and have a guided tour, while emergency tickets only allow you to see 4 caves.
Special caves require on-site purchase.
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5️⃣ See Dunhuang Performance Again 💰298
This is a mobile situational drama divided into four parts. Each time you have to follow the actors to the next scene. It includes the discovery of the Mogao Caves and the artistic expression of the murals. After watching, you will have a deeper understanding of the Mogao Caves.
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6️⃣ Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City 💰60
A large-scale real scene in the desert, more suitable for photography 📸
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7️⃣ Sculptures such as Son of the Earth
In Jiuquan Guazhou, about 120 kilometers from Dunhuang, there are scattered sculpture groups along the roadside, such as Gobi Ark, Hanwu Heroic Wind, Son of the Earth, and Boundless.
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📌 Small Tips
✔️ Pay attention to sun protection, especially your lips, and drink more water.
✔️ When taking photos in the desert, remember to put a protective cover on your camera to prevent sand from getting in.
You really need to visit Dunhuang to see the Crescent Spring, which never dries up, a miracle oasis in the desert
Mingsha Mountain embraces the Crescent Spring
It is named after the spring water that resembles a crescent moon.
The romance of the Northwest is walking on the rolling sand dunes
To witness the unique spectacle of the coexistence of desert and spring.
Groups of camels orderly traverse the desert
The vast desert, camel bells, sunset, and stars
Showcase the ultimate romance and freedom of the desert.
A concert for thousands after sunset
From above, it's dotted lights, from below, it's a sky full of stars
Countless passionate souls light up Mingsha Mountain.
If you also want to experience the unique romance of the frontier
Then come to Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang~
📍: Crescent Spring Town, Dunhuang City, Gansu Province
(Suggested to drive, hire a car, or take a taxi)
🎫 Ticket: 110 yuan (suggested to buy online, valid for three days with one purchase)
Travel tips:
1. Camel ride 100 yuan, no need to buy tickets in advance
2. It is recommended to enter from the middle gate, it is closer to the scenic area, about 600m.
3. Crescent Spring looks more spectacular from Mingsha Mountain, be sure to use a ladder to climb Mingsha Mountain, climbing the soft sand on foot is very tiring and hard to find footing.
4. Remember to bring a few more bottles of water, climbing is very tiring and dry.
5. Be sure to take protective measures in the desert, bring a V-shaped hat, mask, and sunglasses.
A July rendezvous, the Milky Way feast in the Dunhuang desert!
Dear friends, do you still remember the starry feast last summer? That dazzling night under the Mingsha Mountain, where we lay together in the desert, gazing at the endless Milky Way, as if we were in the embrace of the universe.
🌌 In July, the Milky Way of Mingsha Mountain is back!
🌌 This summer, let's meet again in the Dunhuang desert and pursue that dreamlike starry sky. Here, without the noise of the city or the disturbance of lights, only the clear sky and the myriad of stars, as if the entire universe is whispering its secrets to us.
📸 Bring your camera and capture this most beautiful moment. 📸
In the Dunhuang desert, you can freely photograph the starry sky without worrying about light pollution, just feel the vastness of the universe, and capture the twinkling stars and the flowing Milky Way.
🌌 This summer, let's immerse ourselves under the starry sky of the Dunhuang desert and feel the endless charm of the universe. 🌌
Under the Mingsha Mountain, let us witness this Milky Way feast together, and let our souls be purified and elevated under this starry sky.
🌌 Under the starry sky, we are all children, we are all dreamers. 🌌
This summer, let's meet again in the Dunhuang desert, chasing that distant starry sky together, and realizing the dreams in our hearts.
🌌 In July, the Milky Way of Mingsha Mountain awaits your arrival! 🌌
Don't hesitate, come join us for an unforgettable night under the stars in the Dunhuang desert! 🌌🌌🌌
The sight of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin in the desert is too stunning
Visiting Dunhuang
Hired a chartered driver for a tour of the west line passing through this Silk Road heritage city
Full ticket 60r, half ticket 30r
It's really nice to take photos inside
The Buddha statues are spectacular
Thousand-Handed Guanyin and so on
And there are not many people, great for photography
Chartered car is quite cheap, 50 yuan for the car fare, 10 people per car
Departing from Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring at 8:15 in the morning, returning around 0:30 at night
On the way passing by Silk Road heritage site - West Thousand Buddha Caves - Sunshine - Yumen Pass - Yardang Ghost City - Watching stars at dawn (The chartered driver will also use the professional mode on the phone to take photos of the stars for each of us, we all took photos with the starry sky🌃)
Pretending to travel abroad, I took some Egypt-style photos in Dunhuang
The heritage city of the Dunhuang Silk Road is really great for photography.
It feels like I've traveled to Egypt in a second.
I personally think that the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue and the buildings with many columns are the most photogenic.
Every casual shot is stunning!
Just pose as much as you want here,
The bigger the movement, the better it looks.
For outfit suggestions, wearing solid colors all over is very harmonious.
Brown, black, and white all match well.
More accessories add to the atmosphere!
Ticket price🎫60 yuan
Address📍Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City
Little tips🚗
It's 18 kilometers away from the downtown area of Dunhuang.
It's recommended to drive yourself or charter a taxi to avoid not being able to find a ride back.
Gansu 3-day 2-night Travel Guide, Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Lanzhou
"Super Special Forces" route: Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Lanzhou
Total expenses 1807.5 yuan (excluding souvenirs)✨
Day1: Arrive at Zhangye Station at 5 am🚝 -(Chartered car round trip from Zhangye Station)- Rainbow Danxia (discounted ticket 65 yuan)- Zhangye Station -(Train 37.5 yuan)- Jiayuguan Station - Hotel (88 yuan)-(Taxi 12 yuan)- Jiayuguan (55 yuan, including Jiayuguan City Gate+Overhanging Great Wall+First Beacon+First Beacon Tourist Car 12 yuan)-(Chartered car 90 yuan)- Hotel🛏
Day2: Hotel - Jiayuguan Station -(Train 51.5 yuan)- Dunhuang Station -(Taxi 23 yuan)- Dunhuang Hotel (108 yuan)- Dunhuang Museum (fridge magnet+stamp 283 yuan)-(Taxi 7 yuan)- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring (ticket 55 yuan+camel ride 120 yuan+post office epic commemorative stamps+souvenir stamp=976 yuan)-(Taxi 9 yuan)- Hotel - Dunhuang Night Market - Hotel🏙
Day3: Dunhuang Hotel -(Taxi 21.5 yuan)- Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center (205 yuan+souvenirs+random visit to caves 96, 100, 130, 148 )-(Taxi 8 yuan)- Dunhuang Airport - Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (389 yuan)-(Airport Bus Line 1 30 yuan)- Hotel dining (Lanzhou beef noodles 18 yuan)-(Bus 142 1 yuan)- Gansu Museum - Mother of the Yellow River Statue - Yellow River Cableway - Zhongshan Bridge -(Taxi 19 yuan)- Hotel (148 yuan)🎉
🌟Stamping: China Post store at the entrance of scenic spots+Dunhuang Museum+Culture and Creativity Store📑
🌟In Gansu, I have never encountered drivers overcharging, so you can confidently hail a taxi🚕
🌟Must-see at Gansu Museum
Second floor: Silk Road Exhibition Hall: Flying Horse Stepping on Swallow+Lotus-shaped Glass Holder+Painted Wooden Carriage+'Yi Li' Bamboo Slips+Jingchuan Dayun Temple Five-layer Relic Box (stone box, copper casket, silver coffin, gold sarcophagus, and glass relic bottle)+Eastern Roman Divine Man Pattern Gold and Silver Plate+Tri-colored Phoenix-head Pot📚
Third floor: Gansu Colored Pottery Museum: Salamander Pattern Colored Pottery Vase+Red Pottery Human Face+Human Head-shaped Spout Colored Pottery Vase📙
🌟The taste of Lanzhou noodles is completely different from those in our area, and they are really delicious😍
🌟I really enjoyed this trip to Gansu. I was a bit scared before coming, but I met many kind and enthusiastic people during the trip, such as the driver, the warm-hearted museum staff, and the stranger who trusted me to take his child to visit the attractions...💕
While everyone went to the northeast, I headed to the northwest and
It's really wonderful! I must take the kids to Dunhuang during the winter vacation!
Say goodbye to the noisy crowds and the endless queuing.
You'll find that there are very few tourists at each attraction,
and the prices for hotel accommodations are particularly stable!!!
✨ In 5 days, travel through ancient and modern times across ten countries, and embrace the great Northwest.
Visit 12 caves that are only open to the public during the off-season.
Observe the millennium-old grottoes: Dunhuang caves, Yulin caves, and the Western Thousand Buddha Caves.
Immerse yourself in the history of Dunhuang, planting a seed of culture for the children🌱
✨ Watch the sunset in the endless desert, set off fireworks...
Whether it's cultural experiences or scenic beauty, it's all top-notch.
The photos shared on social media have blown up with questions!
Why is it worth going to Dunhuang in winter (December-March)?
1️⃣ Great value for money, discounts on attraction tickets, and much cheaper flights compared to the peak season.
2️⃣ Fewer tourists, double the experience, and often the joy of having the place to yourself.
3️⃣ The number of caves open to visitors has increased to 12, which is really worth it!
4️⃣ There's a chance to see the desert set against the snow, a sight with a profound sense of history.
✈️ How to get there
Dunhuang is located at the western end of the great Northwest, with most flights transferring through Lanzhou or Xi'an.
You can choose to arrive in a nearby city the night before for a visit, then head to Dunhuang.
🌟 Dunhuang 5-Day In-Depth Winter Tour Itinerary
DAY1-DAY2 Dunhuang - Western Thousand Buddha Caves - Yumen Pass - Devil City - Dunhuang
DAY3-DAY5 Yulin Caves - Mogao Caves - Clay Painting - Dunhuang
🌈 Attractions worth visiting
📍 'World Cultural Heritage' Mogao Caves
✔️ Watch films at the digital center 'Millennium Mogao' and 'Fantasy Buddha Palace'
✔️ Accompanied by a guide for an in-depth visit, explore the murals and colored sculptures' secret history
✔️ Listen to historical stories, converse with the glory of the Tang Dynasty
📍 'Sister Caves of Mogao' Yulin Caves
Besides visiting the caves, take a leisurely walk along the Yulin River
Feel the vitality of the oasis on the desert Gobi
📍 'Eye of the Gobi' Western Thousand Buddha Caves
Listen to the Jataka tales not found in the Northern Wei caves of Mogao, filling the gap with unique value
📍 Devil City
China's stunningly beautiful No.2 Yardang, we take an off-road vehicle deep into the area, for a more in-depth exploration and to take various blockbuster shots
📍 Yumen Pass
An important pass on the 'Silk Road', driving on the Gobi highway, the scattered oases bring life to the sandy world. When the ruins of Yumen Pass come into view, 'The spring breeze never passes Yumen Pass' will no longer be just imagination
⛪ Accommodation
Stay for 4 nights in a carefully selected hotel in Dunhuang, avoiding long-distance driving and frequent changes of lodging
Travel Tips❗
❶ Dunhuang is quite cold in winter, so wear thick winter clothes + hat, scarf, gloves, and remember to bring a power bank and warm stickers as phones run out of battery quickly.
❷ The climate in Dunhuang is quite dry, remember to bring moisturizing skincare, lip balm, and a thermos, etc., to stay hydrated at all times
Northwest China 🇨🇳｜Dunhuang: A Thousand Years at a Glance
🏜️Dunhuang is grand and glorious. This was China's window to the world, including the Mogao Grottoes with a history of more than 1,600 years, Shaming Mountain on the edge of the city, and the Crescent Moon Spring. The weight of history can already be felt the moment the car drives into the city.
🏜️Sitting on the ridge on the east side of Mingsha Mountain in the evening, waiting quietly for the sun to set, looking at the Crescent Moon Spring at your feet, surrounded by sand mountains, time stands still
It was the first time in my life to watch the sunset at ten o'clock in the evening, and the first time to have dinner on time at ten thirty. This night on Shazhou was unforgettable❤️
#silkroad
Dunhuang Sand dunes (Mingshan Mountain)
#dunhuang
🏔️ Seeking an otherworldly adventure? Look no further than Mingshan Mountain in Dunhuang city! Nestled within the vast desert, this hidden gem boasts mesmerizing sand dunes that will leave you breathless. 🌵⛰️ Feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer these majestic peaks, or simply immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this natural wonder. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Mingshan Mountain promises an unforgettable experience that will ignite your wanderlust. 🌅✨ Don't miss your chance to explore this desert oasis and create memories that will last a lifetime! 🌍👣 #MingshanMountain #DunhuangDesertDelight ##freehotelstay
Cross the Hexi Corridor and go deep into the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Base to unlock the special cave
When the Hexi Corridor of a thousand years ago collides with contemporary science and technology🚀, what kind of sparks🔥 will it produce from Lanzhou to Zhangye, to Jiuquan, to Jiayuguan, and then to Dunhuang
This time, it will be a journey across a thousand years to marvel at the development of technology and taste deep humanities~
💕Space is the most romantic existence, but most people have not come into contact with real space objects, they all know a little bit from various online reports
This time, we can walk the Hexi Corridor of a thousand years together, explore the 🌌 space dream and have your unique Hexi Corridor and space memories, and find your stars and sea✨
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👣Quick look at the itinerary
Lanzhou gathering—Lanzhou free travel
Lanzhou—Colorful Danxia—Zhangye
Zhangye—Jiayuguan—Overhanging Great Wall—Jiuquan
Jiuquan—Space Launch Center—Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang
Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Dunhuang Bookstore—Dismiss
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💖Highlights of the itinerary
✅Exclusive arrangement for Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center 1 day
🔅Explore China's only manned space launch site
🔅Manned space launch tower (manned space starts here)
🔅Wentian Pavilion (the place where astronauts live and train)
🔅Exhibition hall (feel the spirit of two bombs and one star, manned space and Dongfeng)
🔅Feitian Park (feel the storm rocket, spaceship escape tower and other real objects)
✅Dunhuang Mogao Caves 12 caves + 1 special cave (156 special caves)
In the off-season, in addition to being able to see 4 more caves than forgetting, we have also specially arranged a special cave to check in the upcoming "Dunhuang Hero" and the legendary story of the returning army👍
✅Jiayuguan is arranged for separate manual explanation, no longer a cursory view, understand the story of every brick and tile of Jiayuguan and the repairs of the past dynasties
✅Overhanging Great Wall, the Overhanging Great Wall is a long distance from Jiayuguan, and it is rarely visited in the past itinerary, so it is specially arranged to deeply feel the history and culture
✅Dunhuang Bookstore afternoon tea🍵In the Dunhuang Bookstore with Dunhuang's unique elements and a strong bookish atmosphere, have a cup of special 1900 coffee and immerse yourself in the charm of Dunhuang culture and art
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📜Classic humanities
—The treasure of a thousand years of cultural art, even after a thousand years, the murals made from gemstone powder are still brightly colored
—The first majestic pass in the world, the starting point of the Great Wall🚩
Overhanging Great Wall —It looks like it is hanging in the air, it is located on the Black Mountain, standing on it, you can see the desolate scenery of the desert
Satellite Launch Center —The "cradle" of China's🛰 space
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🏞Natural landscape
Colorful Danxia —The white snow in winter and the colorful Danxia blend into one, which has a different desolate mood
Mountain Crescent Spring —Look at the snow scene love letter written by nature to Mingsha Mountain, look at the frozen Crescent Spring🏜
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🏨Selected quality accommodation
✓1 night Lanzhou Hilton Huanpeng
✓1 night Zhangye Fuldeng Hot Spring Holiday Hotel
✓1 night Jiuquan Silk Road Wenhua Holiday Hotel
✓2 nights Dunhuang Huaxia International Hotel
Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel|The 'Monument Valley' in the desert
|The 'Monument Valley' in the desert.
Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel
As a node city of the Silk Road, 'Dunhuang'
Gathers Buddhist culture, West Asian and Central Asian culture
And the 'Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel'
Just saw this piece of land with a deep and heavy cultural heritage
Based on the natural landscape and humanistic style, combined with art and cultural experience
Created an oriental cultural post in the desert
The hotel is nestled in cliffs, deserts, and Yadan
Inspired by traditional northwestern houses such as 'earth walls' and 'drying rooms'
The facade retains the original appearance of the mud embryo, square and thick
Emphasize the sense of structure of the building and the interaction and charm of light
Implicitly conforms to the classical oriental spirit
Constructed a residence with an oriental aesthetic attitude
The hotel breaks the boundaries of living functions
At the same time, it plans out art galleries, artist studios
And the coexistence of multiple spaces such as folk culture experience space
Either overlooking the magnificent Mingsha Mountain, or looking at the desert afterglow
Enjoy extraordinary experiences in natural scenes close to 'miracles'
In the contemporary expression of oriental cultural spirit
Dongyi is building another possible Dunhuang
The habitat of oriental life art
Hidden between a thousand years of history and the space between heaven and earth
Is the best narrator time is a collection of stories with you
Long or short, it is a post by your side
You must visit this place, otherwise you will regret it for a lifetime
Eternal China, full of charm everywhere within a thousand miles. Each county has its unique charm that makes people linger. These counties not only have unique natural scenery and cultural heritage, but also exude unique historical and cultural atmosphere. If you haven't been to most of the following 12 counties, your life will be regrettable.
First is Yangshuo, Guangxi, known for its beauty as 'the most beautiful in the world'. The overlapping mountains, the gurgling streams, plus the famous Li River, indeed make people linger.
Next is Dunhuang, Gansu, an exotic place deep in the desert, known for the magnificent Mogao Grottoes. The desert, the Mingsha Mountain, and the Yardang landform of Dunhuang all attract the world's attention with their unique charm.
Then comes Kanas, Xinjiang, a mysterious place known as 'beautiful fairyland'. The blue sky, the green lake, and the rolling mountains form a beautiful picture.
Libo, Guizhou, with its magnificent karst landscape, has become synonymous with 'forest oxygen bar'. The sinkholes and underground caves here make people feel as if they have traveled to another world.
Wuyuan, Jiangxi, known as 'gentle breeze and light charm', is one of the most beautiful villages in China. The Hui-style architecture, terraced scenery, and colorful colors here make people intoxicated.
Kangding, Sichuan, known as 'love song flowing', has a strong Tibetan style, and the Gemu Goddess Mountain Scenic Area, known as 'China's Bamboo Sea', is fascinating.
Tengchong, Yunnan, this distant and romantic place, although the scenery is beautiful, what people yearn for more is its mysterious ethnic culture.
Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan, the simple stilted buildings, stone streets, and the magnificent Tuojiang scenery are all fascinating.
Jianshui, Yunnan, is famous for its simple architecture and long history and culture. It is one of China's historical and cultural states.
Daocheng, Sichuan, is part of the Tibetan secret territory, one of the three holy places, mysterious and holy.
Pingyao, Shanxi, this simple ancient city has preserved a large number of Ming and Qing buildings, each building almost carries a memory of history.
Penglai, Shandong, here is the fairy island Penglai in ancient Chinese legends, and the magnificent coastal scenery is fascinating.
Each of these counties is worth a visit. They not only have unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes, but also have profound historical and cultural heritage. Walking into these counties is like being in ancient legends, feeling the magic of nature. Whether it's the scenery of mountains and rivers, or the ancient architectural culture, it's full of unique charm. After visiting these counties, you will find that China's great rivers and mountains are fascinating.
INCREDIBLE Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang
This is your sign to visit Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang!
There are so many cool desert activities to try in Dunhuang, Gansu, China 🇨🇳
⛰️Mingsha Mountain (entrance 110 RMB)
🌙 Crescent Lake (Free)
🛝Sand Sliding (15 RMB)
🚁 Helicopter (660 RMB)
🐫 Camel Riding (100 RMB)
🏎️ Four Wheeling (160 RMB)
There are different packages as well you can purchase to bundle these activities together depending on what you want to do.
Morning and evening are the most popular times to go because the middle of the day can get quite hot. You can spend a few hours here, or even a full day or two depending on the desert activities you want to try.
#China #dunhuang #gansu #helicopter
Peaceful and Relaxing Place in Dunhuang
#timetotravel
This is a perfect place for leisurely stroll when you just arrived in Dunhuang and you haven't started your itinerary yet. If you are looking for a place to relax and avoid the noise and congestion of the other tourists attractions in the city then this is the place for you. It is a large complex so it requires you to walk a lot but in your own space. There are plenty of shades anyway and benches to sit. The architecture of the buildings are very intricate and I really appreciate it as an architect. It is not commercialized like the other temples so I really appreciate the tranquility that this place offers. Enjoy your stroll.
#mytripvlog #tripblazers #silkroad #chinatravel
Spectacular Gobi dessert wonders
Crecent moon pool
Little lake surrounded my mountains of sand dunes that can be up to 300 meters high. The area is super nice and there are lots of activities to enjoy as camel ride, sand sliding etc. We spent a whole day doing different activities like hiking to the top of the sand dunes and driving ATV. You can also chill by the pavilions just by the lake. It’s worth it to buy the sand protective socks that they sell before you enter the area because the sand will get everywhere I think we paid 20rmb.
To top the day off we had afternoon tea at the roof of The Silk Road Dunhuang hotel that has the most amazing view over the sandy mountains.
Downtown Dunhuang also has a very nice night market that’s worth a trip for shopping and food.
Mogao Caves
Most people come to see the Mogao caves in Dunhuang. The stunning paintings inside caves. Wall murals with Buddhist history. It’s absolutely a must to go there. I have been two times actually. It’s a pity that you can not take pictures inside but it’s understandable. #gobidesert #Dunhuang #gansu #travel
China's HUGE Solar Base in Gobi Desert 😱
On my drive away from the gobi desert, I was shocked to stumble across a massive field of solar panels amongst barren desert landscapes.
Located on the outskirts of Dunhuang, Gansu, these solar panels directly convert solar radiation into electric energy.
It was my first time seeing and capturing such a grand energy generation system, and I am truly amazed by its innovation, scale, and productivity! Also very proud to see China taking steps towards a more sustainable future!
Follow to discover more cool destinations with me :)
📍 Dunhuang, Gansu
📸 ig @cherstravels
#summervacation #urbanexplorer #passionpassport #2023travelwish #awesomepic #china #deserts
Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring | You must visit this special desert for taking amazing photos ❗️
Chengdu self-driving to Dunhuang.
✨Mingsha Mountain
To the east of the Mingsha Mountain is the Sanwei Mountain, to the south is the Heishi Peak Mountain, and to the west is the Gobi and Kumtag Desert. The west wind and north wind, carrying more sand, are blocked by the mountain here, causing the sand particles in the wind to settle down over time, forming the Mingsha Mountain. Under the influence of the wind, the Mingsha Mountain "remains unchanged after a night of wind, with its tracks still visible", always maintaining a certain height and shape. For thousands of years, the Mingsha Mountain still stands tall, and the sound of sand still echoes in the ears. The Qingming Shangming of the Sand Ridge is one of the eight scenic spots in Dunhuang. Dunhuang, formerly known as Shazhou, was named after this place.
✨Crescent Spring
Crescent Spring is a clear spring nestled in the Mingsha Mountain, shaped like a dark moon, hence the name "Crescent Spring". Crescent Spring was formed under the internal and external dynamic conditions of tectonic movement, flowing water, and wind geological effects in loose geological structures, low-lying terrain, and regional high groundwater levels. Despite the changing of stars and the howling of wind and sand, Crescent Spring still shines like a bright mirror with its clear blue water. The coexistence of sand and water, and the interdependence of mountain springs have created the world wonder of "the first spring in the desert".
1⃣For leisure travel, you can follow this route: Mingyue Square Archway - Camel Riding - East Peak of Mingsha Mountain - Tiebeiyu Park - Crescent Spring.
2️⃣Learn about the stories and legends of Couple Willow and Medicine King Temple Site.
3⃣Inside Yuege, you can take a photo with the popular coffee and the latte art is quite unique.
4️⃣The sun is strong, make sure to protect yourself from sunburn.
Crescent Moon Lake in Dunhuang… stunning
Is this China? Yes! I know it’s hard to believe but this fascinating desert is found in Gansu province. You can arrive by plane, but we took a long drive through Qinghai province to arrive. The sand dunes are flawless, the views are outstanding, and the experience is unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this unique destination in China! Enjoy the delectable late night street food downtown, the sand sleds on the dunes, the Crescent Lake night sunsets, and the MoGao Caves nearby for ancient Silk Road history. #gansuroadtrip #dunhuang #deserts #dunes #crescentmoonlake #sand #silkroad
#Mogao Caves #Gansu #Visit #October 2018
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples 25 km southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.
Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang
Mogao caves is also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes. It is one of topmost tourist spot in Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu province, China.
Getting There - A direct cab from the railway station will cost around 500-700 rmb.
The northern Wei, Western Wei and the Northern Zhou caves, the earliest of the Mogao caves, are known to be distinctly Indian in style and iconography.
#2023travelwish #tripblazers #teachabroad #teacherventure
The Famous Mogao Grottoes 🇨🇳
#2023travelwish
Welcome to Gansu! 🇨🇳
📍Location: 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang
Attractions: The Mogao Grottoes (known alternately as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas) are hand-cut rock caves carved into cliffs.
Interesting facts shared by my tour guide: There are 735 caves in total and only 60 are open to the public. When you visit this site, you will get to only see 8 caves. The caves open to the public change everyday.
I’m 2023, I’d love to go back to one of my favorite cities in the world; Berlin 🇩🇪
#mogaogrottoes #gansu #dunhuang #historicculture #tripblazers
The Historical site of Yumen Pass 🇨🇳
#2023travelwish
Welcome to the famous Yumen Pass Historical Site!
“Built in Western Han Dynasty, Yumen pass is the one of the two passes to the western regions in ancient China and the only gateway for the North Silk Road Route.”
📍Location: 90 kilometers away from Dunhuang.
How to get there: This site was part of a Silk Road organized trip, so I had a private driver.
Have a good trip!
For 2023, one of my dream destinations is Greece.
#summervacation #awesomepic #historicculture #gansu #china
See Dunhuang Again
See Dunhuang Again - What an incredible experience!
As expected, the show was entirely in Chinese, but it was still a lot of fun. Although my Chinese is not great, I was still able to somewhat understand the story and I was mesmerized by how cool it was.
The actors were very good and the special effects were great.
During the show, you walk from one room to another and no matter where you stand, you’ll have a great view.
💰 Cost : 318¥/人
⏰ Time: The show lasted about 90 minutes or so
Language: Chinese only
#dunhuang #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #theater #chinatravel #chineseculture
Dunhuang’s Must Visit Mountain Crescent
#celebratewithtrip
When visiting Dunhuang, this scenic area is a must! 🏜
When I went to Gansu, I was about halfway through my Silk Road trip and Dunhuang was definitely one of my favorite places. ❤️
📍 How to get there: Train to Dunhuang -> DiDi ride from there to the scenic spot is about 20-25 mins.
💲 Entrance fee: 55¥
You can also pay a small fee for a bus tour or other activities such as sand boarding (20¥)
🥤 Drinks and snacks: There’s a Dico and a Burger King near the entrance. You can buy little snacks and drinks near the crescent.
🤩 Attractions: Sand dunes and a stunning crescent lake.
#dunhuang #chinatravel #exploring #chinalife
Magnificent Mogao Grottoes | Silk Road 🍃
#fallingforfall
Pictures speak louder than words ✌️
How to get there: car from Dunhuang (30min)
What’s to see: Grottoes, impressively built
Time needed: 2-4h
What to look for: go in autumn as it is the best season, not too hot and not too cold
IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld
Autumn is the best time for Dunhuang 🍂
#fallingforfall
Pictures speak louder than words ✌️
How to get there: we took a private car all the way from Xining & back
What’s to see: oasis in the dessert, nature, camels🐪
Time needed: weekend
What to look for: go in autumn as the weather is perfect and not burning hot
Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸
IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld
Desert fun
The desert can be harsh, difficult and dangerous. But also incredibly beautiful and exciting.
In Gansu province there is a huge desert which is full of life. Not green life but human life. It's become an attraction for fun. Formed around a Cresent Lake, it's become a form of Oasis
You can ride ATV quad vehicles across the sand, admire the sweeping awesome beauty of the sand and skyline. You can ride camels, and even check out the camel crossing which is a surreal sight.
There are also sky activities such as helicopter and gliding. There is more to the desert than just sand
#china #travel #adventure #solotravel
Into the desert we go 🌵🐫
Flying to Dunhuang and visiting the Cresent Spring and Echo Sand Mountains. What a day! The weather was perfect , there were so many activities to do but our time was limited.
The main activity was riding a Camel for an hour, which was so cool . Climbing a sand dune, which was tough but luckily for us you could choose between walking up on your own or using some sort of climbing stair. When you get half way down the dune, you can either walk , run or slide down. We ended off with enjoying a VR hot air balloon. What a great experience!
The desert was definitely one of the best activities of our trip.
#passionpassport #deserts #dunes #camelride
Sand dunes in Dunhunag, Gansu province
Echoing Sand Mountain and the Crescent-shaped Lake. A beautiful place which we visited as a part of Silk road trip. It was nice daily trip. Tickets are slightly costly, however the experience is worth it. In the area you can do a lot of different activities such as camel ride, sand slides, or just walk up the dunes. It is better to come early, especially during the summer as the sun could be very strong and consequently the sand becomes extremely hot. nonetheless you can hire a shoes covers if you need them. All activities are at extra costs. #gooutside #passionpassport #travel
#asiatrip
Mogao Grottoes
Getting There - You can drive yourself or take a taxi to the entrance hall of the Mogao Grottoes, there you get onto a shuttle bus that takes you to the Grottoes.
Attractions - At the entrance Hall of the Mogao Grottoes is a big shop where you can buy souvenirs all inspired from the Grottoes. There's two 'movies' of about 20minutes each about the Mogao Grottoes that they show you, then you move on to the shuttle bus that takes you to the Mogao Grottoes. Each group get a tour guide that show the group 4 different Grottoes, as well as the biggest 'inside' Buddha and reclining Buddha. (You are not allowed to take photos inside the Grottoes)
Hotels - There are hotel about 16km from the Grottoes. There's hotels you can choose according to your preference on Trip.com
Food & Restaurants - There's restaurants to get food and drinks. Our favourite coffee shop were the one with the dog🐶😁 The dog that inspired the shop is sometimes there.
Shopping - There's shops to buy food, drinks and souvenirs. Beautiful printed replicas of the artwork that you find in the Grottoes.
#summervacation #silkroad #passionpassport #mogaogrottoes
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