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Dunhuang City, under the jurisdiction of Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, is located at the westernmost end of the Hexi Corridor, at the intersection of Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces. It lies between longitude 92°13′–95°30′ east and latitude 39°40′–41°40′ north, covering a total area of 31,200 square kilometers. A hub city on the Silk Road, Dunhuang is renowned for its Dunhuang Grottoes and murals. It is home to the World Heritage Mogao Grottoes and the border crossings of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, including Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass. In 2012, it was selected as one of the "Top 200 Chinese Cities with Distinctive Charm" and is designated a National Historic and Cultural City.
From mid-May to the end of June and from early September to mid-October, Dunhuang is not extremely hot and has very little sandstorms. In addition, the fragrance of fruits and vegetables fills the air in September, making it the best time to visit Dunhuang.
Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, are located in the southeast of Dunhuang city. Initially built during the Former Qin Dynasty of the Sixteen Kingdoms period, it underwent expansion and development through the Sixteen Kingdoms, Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Western Xia, and Yuan dynasties, reaching a monumental scale. With 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 clay sculptures, it is the largest and most diverse Buddhist art site in the world.
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake Scenic Area
Mingsha Mountain is located at the northern foot of Shaming Mountain, 6 kilometers south of Dunhuang City. It is named for the sound of the moving sand. Anciently known as "Shajiao Mountain" or "Shensha Mountain," the area is called Mingshadi. In the desert or dunes, due to various climatic and geographical factors, fine sand particles, mainly quartz, are formed. Wind-induced vibrations cause the sand to slide or move against each other, causing numerous sand particles to swirl in the air currents. The hollows on the surface create a "diabolo" effect, producing a buzzing sound.
Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark
It resembles a medieval city, housing miniatures of many world-famous buildings, a sight that has left the world breathtaking. At nightfall, the sharp winds create a terrifying howl, resembling the howling of millions of wild beasts, a terrifying sight that has earned it the name "Devil's City."
In addition, there are Dunhuang Yadan Geopark, Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Dunhuang Ancient City, Yangguan, Yumenguan, and the ruins of the Han Great Wall.
Recommended number of days for visiting: about 3 days
free
All day
Dunhuang is a historic Silk Road city in Gansu Province, known for its role as a cultural and trading hub. The city is famous for the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which preserve thousands of years of Buddhist art and manuscripts.
Dunhuang is located in northwestern Gansu, near the edge of the Gobi Desert. It can be reached by Dunhuang Airport, long-distance buses, or trains from major cities. Within the city, taxis and local buses are convenient; walking is suitable for exploring central areas.
For Mogao Caves, advance booking (1–2 weeks) is recommended, especially during peak tourist season. Other sites generally do not require advance booking.
Guided tours and audio guides are available at Mogao Caves and other major attractions. Mandarin tours are common; English guides are available via travel agencies or online booking.
Start at Mogao Caves in the morning, visit Dunhuang Museum, then head to Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake in the afternoon. Finish with a stroll through the Night Market in the evening.
Evening camel rides or desert light shows are available seasonally. Some local tours offer night photography opportunities in the desert dunes.
Peak tourist season is July–August; weekdays are least crowded, early mornings are best for visiting Mogao Caves.
Main city attractions and museums are generally accessible. Desert excursions and cave climbs may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is widely accepted. Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and major credit cards are also commonly used.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants; Halal food is widely available due to the Hui Muslim community.
