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Mogao Grottoes, commonly known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, are located in Dunhuang at the western end of the Hexi Corridor. Originally built during the Former Qin Dynasty of the Sixteen Kingdoms period, they have withstood the test of thousands of years of history.
There are 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 clay sculptures. It is the largest and most content-rich Buddhist art site in the world. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.
The artistic characteristics of the Mogao Grottoes lie primarily in the organic integration of architecture, sculpture, and murals. The cave structures are classified into various types, including meditation caves, hall caves, pagoda-temple caves, dome-shaped caves, and shadow caves; the colored sculptures are divided into round sculptures, relief sculptures, shadow sculptures, and sculptures of good deeds; and the murals are categorized into various types, including statues, sutra paintings, narrative paintings, Buddhist historical sites, architectural paintings, landscape paintings, offering paintings, animal paintings, and decorative paintings. These paintings systematically reflect the various aspects of cultural exchange between East and West, spanning over ten dynasties since the Sixteen Kingdoms period. They are a rare cultural treasure for humanity.
Dunhuang has a temperate continental climate; May to October is peak tourist season, so tourists can avoid this period. It's recommended to visit the Mogao Grottoes in the morning, as the cave entrances face east, allowing sunlight to penetrate directly into the caverns, creating a divine atmosphere.
3 hours
The ticket price is 100 yuan in the off-season and 200 yuan in the peak season.
May 1st - October 31st (peak season): 08:00-18:00;
November 1st - April 30th (off-season) 09:00-17:30;
Enter the park before 15:30 in peak season and before 14:30 in off-season.
The Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Dunhuang Caves, are a complex of Buddhist cave temples situated along the ancient Silk Road. They contain some of the world's finest examples of Buddhist art, with over 2,000 murals and sculptures spanning a period from the 4th to the 14th century. The site is considered one of the greatest treasures of Buddhist art and architecture.
The Mogao Grottoes are located about 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang city, in Gansu Province. The site is accessible by taxi, private car, or bus. There are no metro services in the area. Visitors can also hire a local guide for transportation or use shuttle buses provided by the site from the city center.
The Mogao Grottoes are generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild. Avoid the summer months (June to August) as it can get very hot, and the site tends to be more crowded.
The entrance fee for the Mogao Grottoes is approximately 200 RMB (about 30 USD) for standard admission. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online through the official Dunhuang tourism website. Some cave sections require an additional ticket, and guided tours are available for an extra fee.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and autumn). Online booking is available and tickets should be purchased at least 1-2 days in advance to ensure entry, as the number of visitors per day is limited to protect the site.
A full visit to the Mogao Grottoes, including guided tours, typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. Depending on your interest in the detailed history and artwork, you may spend more time exploring the caves.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and others. Audio guides in several languages, including English, can be rented at the entrance for a small fee.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at the Mogao Grottoes. However, special tours and exhibitions may be offered during certain festivals or events. Check the official website for updates.
The Mogao Grottoes can be crowded during peak seasons (spring, autumn, and public holidays). To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays during off-peak months, such as in the winter or early spring.
The site has restrooms, drinking water, and small shops selling souvenirs. There are also rest areas where visitors can relax between tours. Food options are available near the entrance, but it's advisable to bring water during your visit.
The main paths and areas are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some of the caves may require stairs and narrow passages that could be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's best to check with staff for accessibility details.
Cash (Chinese Yuan) is accepted, but many areas also accept mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. Credit cards are not widely accepted at the site.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in some restaurants in Dunhuang city, but it may be limited in the immediate area around the grottoes.
There are souvenir shops near the Mogao Grottoes selling items like Buddhist-themed art, local crafts, and postcards featuring the grottoes' murals and statues.
From the Mogao Grottoes, visitors can continue their trip by taxi, bus, or private car to nearby attractions like the Dunhuang Museum or Mingsha Mountain. Trains and buses also connect Dunhuang to other cities in Gansu Province.
