Travel Through Millennia in Dunhuang｜3-Day Ultimate Food and Sightseeing Guide + Stunning Photo Spots

️【Dunhuang · The Desert Pearl of a Thousand Years】
📍Location: Northwest Gansu Province, about 1100 km from Lanzhou
✨One-liner: This is the dazzling gem of the Silk Road, where the murals of the Mogao Caves tell stories of a thousand years amidst the wind and sand~

💰【Money-Saving Tips】
- Dunhuang Tourism Pass: Includes six major attractions, save 20% instantly
- Off-season (November-April) tickets are half price! Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery make it super cost-effective
- Book stargazing camping in advance for a 30% discount~

✈️【Transportation Guide】
🚄 High-speed rail:
Lanzhou West → Dunhuang (2 trains daily, 4.5 hours)
🎫 Ticket price: about 230 RMB

🛫 By plane:
- Direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai/Xi’an/Lanzhou
- Flight time: 1-2.5 hours
- 🚖 Airport → city center: Taxi about 30 RMB, 15 minutes

🚗 Local transportation:
- Taxi starting fare in the city is 5 RMB
- Yadan Devil City is best reached by charter car (about 300 RMB/day)

🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】
🏡 City center top pick:
Dunhuang Mountain Villa (4 stars)
📍 Address: No.1 Yangguan East Road, Dunhuang City
✨ Feature: Han and Tang dynasty style, rooftop views of Mingsha Mountain!

🏜️ Desert experience:
Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Inn
📍 Address: East side of Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area
💰 Price: 300-800 RMB/night
💡 Tips: Watch the starry Milky Way from the terrace at night~

🍜【Top 5 Must-Try Foods】
1️⃣ Daji Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles
📍 Address: No.8 Shazhou North Road, Dunhuang City
💰 Per person: 40 RMB
👍 Recommended: Chewy donkey meat, super springy yellow noodles!

2️⃣ Xia’s Lamb Soup
📍 Address: No.6 Danghe West Road, Dunhuang City
🕒 Hours: 6:30-14:30
✨ Feature: Authentic Northwest lamb soup, a must for warming your stomach!

3️⃣ Shazhou Night Market · Zhaxi Milk Tea
📍 Night Market C Zone No.18
👍 Feature: Sweet fermented milk tea + apricot peel water combo

📸【Top Photo Spots Revealed】
1. In front of the Nine-Story Building at Mogao Caves (best light at 9 AM)
2. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Viewing Platform (1 hour before sunset)
3. Yadan Devil City West Sea Fleet (super stunning at sunset!)

⚠️【Important Reminders】
- Mogao Caves Class A tickets must be booked 30 days in advance!!
- Large temperature difference in the desert, bring jackets and sunscreen
- No signal in Yadan Scenic Area, travel with companions recommended