Dunhuang Travel Guide

Dunhuang, located in the northwestern part of Gansu Province, is an ancient city full of historical charm, famous for the Mogao Caves and desert landscapes. As an important node on the Silk Road, Dunhuang blends diverse cultures, making it an excellent destination for travelers exploring the northwestern region.

Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Mogao Caves: A World Cultural Heritage site preserving Buddhist art treasures from the 4th to 14th centuries. The 735 caves contain 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 colored sculptures. Advance reservations are required during peak season, and visiting 8-12 special caves is recommended.
2. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: A natural wonder where desert and clear spring coexist. You can experience camel riding (about 100 yuan/hour) and sand sliding (20 yuan/time). The best viewing times are sunrise and sunset.
3. Yangguan Pass Ruins: The famous ancient pass known for the poem line "West beyond Yangguan Pass, no old friends remain." The site features beacon tower ruins and the Yangguan Museum. Admission is 50 yuan.
4. Yumen Pass: An important Han Dynasty frontier pass, paired with Yangguan as the "Two Passes." The Small Square Fort ruins remain, located 90 kilometers from the city.

Special Cuisine:
1. Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: Dunhuang's famous dish of handmade noodles with braised donkey meat. Recommended at Da Ji Sauce Donkey Meat Noodle Restaurant, averaging 40 yuan per person.
2. Lamb Heji: Lamb soup with vermicelli noodles and meatballs. Xia Family Heji is the most authentic and a great breakfast choice.
3. Apricot Skin Water: A special beverage made from dried Li Guang apricots, sweet and sour, perfect for hot weather. Available throughout the streets for 3-5 yuan per cup.
4. Paor Oil Cake: Traditional sweet pastry, crispy and delicious. Recommended purchase at Shazhou Night Market.

Practical Information:
Transportation: Dunhuang Airport has direct flights to Lanzhou, Beijing, and other cities; the train station offers high-speed trains to Lanzhou (about 6 hours); city taxis start at 5 yuan.
Accommodation: Recommended areas include Mingshan Road or Yangguan Middle Road, with mid-range hotels at 200-400 yuan per night. Advance booking is necessary during peak season.
Best Season: May to October. July-August is hottest but fruits are ripe; September-October offers pleasant weather.
Notes: Photography is prohibited in the Mogao Caves; stay hydrated and use sun protection in desert areas; respect minority customs.

Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Morning at Mogao Caves (3-4 hours), afternoon at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (for sunset)
Day 2: West Line day tour (Yangguan Pass, Yumen Pass, Yadan Geological Park)
Day 3: City tour (Dunhuang Museum, Leyin Temple) + shopping at Shazhou Night Market

Dunhuang, this desert oasis, tells Silk Road stories through thousand-year-old murals and sings desert poems through endless sand dunes. It deserves your time to appreciate slowly. Remember to bring your camera to capture the magnificent scenes of "straight smoke rising from the vast desert, and the round setting sun over the long river."