Comprehensive Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Dunhuang: An In-Depth Silk Road Journey

【Recommended Attractions】
1. Dunhuang Museum
Address: 1390 Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan
Showcasing historical artifacts and art collections from the Dunhuang region, including replica murals and ancient documents, it serves as a window to understanding Silk Road culture.

2. Danghe River Scenic Belt National Water Conservancy Scenic Area
Address: Approximately 70 meters north of Dunhuang Sunshine Shazhou Hotel, Yangguan Middle Road, Dunhuang City
Open all day, featuring a combination of water conservancy projects and natural landscapes, ideal for leisurely walks.

3. Dunhuang Yadan National Geological Park
Address: Provincial Highway 303, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan
Known as the "Devil City," its wind-eroded landforms are uniquely shaped, with stunning light and shadow effects at sunset, perfect for photography and adventure.

4. Yangguan Pass - Yumen Pass Tourist Area (Yangguan)
Address: Yangguan Town, Dunhuang City
A crucial pass on the ancient Silk Road, where you can experience replica border customs ceremonies and feel the poetic sentiment of "No friends beyond Yangguan."

5. Mingsha Mountain (Singing Sand Dunes)
Address: Inside the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Scenic Area, Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City
Named for the sound of sand singing in the wind, activities include camel riding and sand sliding, forming a desert oasis wonder with Crescent Moon Spring.

6. Mogao Caves
Address: Provincial Highway 217, Dunhuang City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 735 caves preserving millennia-old Buddhist art; advance reservations are required for visits.

7. Yangguan Pass - Yumen Pass Tourist Area (Yumen Pass)
Address: 93 km northwest of Dunhuang City on the Gobi Desert
A Han Dynasty military fortress with desolate yet majestic ruins, a classic landmark in frontier poetry alongside Yangguan Pass.

8. Western Thousand Buddha Caves
Address: Near Danghe Reservoir, National Highway 215, Dunhuang City
Smaller in scale than Mogao Caves but with well-preserved murals, the caves are carved into the cliffs of the Danghe River valley, offering a tranquil environment.

9. Leiyin Temple
Address: 28 Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City
An ancient Tang Dynasty temple with solemn architecture, blending Buddhist culture with the desert oasis.

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【Suggested Itinerary】
Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain with Crescent Moon Spring can be visited on the same day, while Yangguan Pass, Yumen Pass, and Yadan Geological Park require separate planning due to their distance.
The museum and city attractions can be flexibly incorporated into your schedule.

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【Timing and Route】
Day 1:
‌Morning‌
Mogao Caves (08:00-18:00, last ticket at 15:30)
Book a standard tour ticket in advance (includes 8 caves + digital films), focusing on Cave 96 (Giant Buddha) and Cave 17 (Library Cave). Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours.

‌Afternoon‌
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring (05:00-20:30)
Visit in the evening to avoid the heat, enjoy camel rides and sand sliding, and climb Mingsha Mountain for sunset views of Crescent Moon Spring.

‌Evening‌
Dunhuang Night Market
Try local delicacies like donkey meat with yellow noodles and apricot peel water, and shop for cultural souvenirs.

Day 2:
‌Yangguan Pass Scenic Area
Explore the ruins museum and experience a replica border-crossing ceremony, immersing in frontier poetry.

‌Yumen Pass Ruins
Visit the Han Dynasty Great Wall and Dafangpan City, experiencing the vast Gobi Desert scenery.

‌Yadan Geological Park
Arrive at the "Devil City" before sunset to capture the magnificent light and shadow of the wind-eroded landforms.

Day 3:
‌Xuanquanzhi Ruins Scenic Area
‌Western Thousand Buddha Caves
‌Dunhuang Museum
‌Leiyin Temple