Jiuquan

Jiuquan, this city, not only carries a sense of historical depth but also boasts stunning natural scenery and a down-to-earth local vibe. Today, I’m going to share with you all about eating, staying, and getting around in Jiuquan, so after reading, you’ll want to set off right away!

Let’s start with transportation. Getting to Jiuquan is actually quite convenient. You can fly directly to Dunhuang Airport, which isn’t far from the city center—just a taxi ride of about ten minutes. If you want to save some money, you can fly to Lanzhou first and then take the high-speed train, enjoying the scenery of the Hexi Corridor along the way. Once in Jiuquan, taxis in the city are affordable, and the buses are pretty convenient too. But if you’re traveling with a few people, I recommend renting a car. You can go wherever you want, especially if you want to visit places like Mingsha Mountain and the Mogao Caves—self-driving really gives you much more freedom.

As for accommodation, Jiuquan offers plenty of options. If you prefer a comfortable stay, Suzhou Hotel in the city center is a good choice—clean, good service, and close to the night market, so you can easily grab a bite if you get hungry at night. If you want a different experience, you should stay in a desert guesthouse in Dunhuang. Lying in bed at night and looking up at the star-filled sky is incredibly romantic. There are also some small inns at the foot of Mingsha Mountain where you can open the door in the morning and see the sunrise over the sand dunes—perfect for photos and sharing on social media.

When it comes to food, there’s a lot to talk about. Jiuquan’s cuisine is quite rich, and the most famous dish is donkey meat yellow noodles. The noodles are chewy, the donkey meat tender, and the broth rich—one bowl warms you up completely. There’s an old shop called “Daji Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles” at the Dunhuang night market that always has a line, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Also, the lamb noodle soup here has no gamey taste, the noodles are smooth, and with cilantro and chili oil, every bite is delicious. Don’t miss the grilled lamb skewers, stuffed cold noodles, and apricot skin water at the night market either—especially in summer evenings, sitting by the roadside eating skewers and drinking apricot skin water is just pure bliss.

There are even more places to explore. The Mogao Caves are a must-visit. Although tickets need to be booked in advance, the murals and Buddha statues inside are truly breathtaking. Standing there feels like traveling back to ancient times. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake are also worth a visit—you can ride camels, slide down the sand, camp in the desert at night, and watch the sunrise in the morning. That feeling is really unforgettable. If you like history, check out the Han Great Wall ruins and Yangguan ruins. Although only broken walls remain now, standing there you can almost hear the sound of camel bells from ancient times. Oh, and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is especially interesting—you can see the rocket launch pads and learn about the development of China’s space program. But you need to book in advance, and there are many rules to follow during the visit, so be sure to comply.

The best time to visit Jiuquan is spring and autumn. Summer is too hot, and winter is too cold. But if you want to experience the desert in winter, it has its own unique charm. No matter when you go, remember to bring sunscreen—the northwest sun is no joke. Also, the temperature difference between morning and night is big, so even in summer, bring a jacket or you’ll be shivering at night.

Overall, Jiuquan is a city full of character. It’s not as bustling as big cities but has a unique tranquility and depth. Here, you can slow down, explore history, savor delicious food, and experience a different way of life. I hope my sharing helps you. If you’re looking for a place to relax, Jiuquan is definitely a great choice. Pack your bags and set off quickly—I promise you’ll fall in love with this place!

Post by RUBY SCHMIDT | Sep 12, 2025