"Miracle and Oasis in the Desert"

📅 Itinerary Overview
D1: Chengdu → Dunhuang → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
D2: Mogao Caves → Dunhuang Museum → Shazhou Night Market
D3: West Line One-Day Tour (Yangguan + Yumenguan + Yadan Devil City)
📍 D1: Arrive in Dunhuang, first encounter with the desert
Transportation: Fly from Chengdu to Dunhuang, or take the train (requires transfer in Lanzhou, takes longer).
Accommodation: Choose hotels in Dunhuang city (such as Dunhuang Mountain Villa, Dunhuang International Hotel) for convenient travel.
Attractions: 🔥 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (ticket ¥110, open until 20:30)
Ride a camel (¥100/person) across the sand dunes, climb to the top of Mingsha Mountain to overlook the Crescent Spring sunset.
Note ⚠️: Wear sand-proof shoe covers, bring sunglasses and sunscreen; Hanfu rental for photos is available in the scenic area.
Food: Recommended "Jingyuan Gaoliu Lamb" to taste hand-pulled lamb and donkey meat yellow noodles.
📍 D2: Explore Mogao Caves, feel the millennium art
🔥 Mogao Caves (Category A ticket ¥238, must book 1 month in advance)
Visit 8 common caves + digital center film; special caves require on-site ticket purchase (¥150-200/cave).
Note ⚠️: No photography inside the caves, follow the guide for deeper understanding.
🔥 Dunhuang Museum (free, closed on Mondays) to learn about Dunhuang history; the replica of Cave 45 in Mogao Caves is worth seeing.
🔥 Leiyin Temple (free): Visit on the way, a tranquil Tang Dynasty style temple.
🔥 Shazhou Night Market: Browse intangible cultural heritage handicraft stalls, Food: apricot peel water, sand scallion beef pancakes.
📍 D3: West Line adventure, retrace the Silk Road
🔥 Yangguan: Experience the desolation of "No old friends west of Yangguan," horseback riding or donkey cart available.
🔥 Yadan Devil City: The "West Sea Fleet" Yadan formations at sunset are incredibly stunning.
Note ⚠️: No restaurants on the West Line, bring your own snacks and water; strong wind and sand, wear scarf and hat.
📍 D4: The Qiang flute need not blame the willows, the spring breeze does not pass Yumenguan. 🔥 Dunhuang Bookstore: Free reading of Dunhuang-themed books, buy cultural and creative souvenirs.
🔥 Danghe Scenic Line: Walk along the river, feel the tranquility of the desert oasis.
🍽️ Food Recommendations (again)
😋 Must-try: Hu sheep stewed pancake, donkey meat yellow noodles, elm seed rice, Li Guang apricot.
😋 Restaurants: Xiajia Hezhi (breakfast), Chengbianbian BBQ (late-night snack).
⚠️ Notes
Sun and sand protection: Dunhuang is dry with strong UV rays, SPF50+ sunscreen and moisturizing products are needed.
A four-day trip to Dunhuang allows you to touch the artistic treasures of millennium murals and experience the magnificent desert solitude.
Wishing everyone a happy trip!!!