Spent three days in Dunhuang, and my spending mindset collapsed

🔥Dunhuang 3-day intense travel guide: Millennium murals + desert carnival, my wallet is running dry!

✈️Itinerary:
DAY1: Mogao Caves (book tickets 30 days in advance!) → Dunhuang Grottoes Art Exhibition Center → "See Dunhuang Again" show (definitely worth the ticket price)
DAY2: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (recommend watching sunrise at 5 AM) → Dunhuang Night Market (for apricot peel water, trust Li Guangxing)
DAY3: Yangguan Ruins (wear Hanfu for stunning photos) → Yumenguan Pass → Yadan Devil City (watch sunset at 7 PM, super spectacular)

💸Spending warnings:
▪️Mogao Caves emergency tickets cost 148 RMB/person, special caves over 200 RMB each (45 caves must-see!)
▪️Camel riding at Mingsha Mountain 100 RMB/person, sand sliding 40 RMB/time, shoe cover rental 15 RMB or buy for 20 RMB
▪️Yadan off-road vehicle 550 RMB/vehicle, "See Dunhuang Again" tickets start at 318 RMB

📸Three must-shoot spots:
1️⃣Aerial shot of Crescent Spring from Mingsha Mountain summit (drone use requires registration)
2️⃣Dancing in Hanfu at Yangguan beacon tower ruins in the wind
3️⃣Sunset silhouette of West Sea Fleet rock formations in Devil City

🍉Foodie guide:
✔️Shun Zhang Huang Noodle Shop: Donkey meat yellow noodles + apricot peel water set for 65 RMB
✔️Xia Family Hezhi: Small portion of lamb hezhi for 28 RMB, very filling
✔️Shazhou Night Market: Sand scallion beef pancake 10 RMB each (queue after 8 PM)

⚠️Hard-learned lessons:
1. No photography allowed in Mogao Caves! Buy a picture book as a souvenir (358 RMB/book)
2. Desert is scorching at noon! Big temperature difference between morning and night, layer thin down jacket + sun protection clothing
3. Yadan is 180 km from city, car rental 400 RMB/day, remember to bargain
4. Bring all tickets and IDs, teacher/student IDs can save you half the price

🚌Transportation tips:
Taxi starts at 5 RMB in the city, shuttle bus to scenic spots departs from Silk Road Yiyuan Hotel (8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, two trips)

Post by JulieDahl | Aug 20, 2025