Dunhuang Travel

Dunhuang City, Jiuquan, Gansu Province – a pearl on the Silk Road and home to the world cultural heritage Mogao Grottoes. This 3-day 2-night in-depth tour includes exploration of Buddhist art, experience of desert wonders, visit to ancient road ruins, and tasting of Dunhuang cuisine.

1600+
Years of Mogao Grottoes History
735
Existing Caves
45,000
Square Meters of Murals
30+
Specialty Dishes
Exterior view of the Nine-Story Building at Mogao Grottoes
Nine-Story Building of Mogao Grottoes - Artistic Treasure
The iconic building of the world cultural heritage Mogao Grottoes, housing the world's largest indoor clay Buddha statue

3-Day 2-Night Cultural Tour of Dunhuang

Explore Buddhist art, experience desert wonders, visit ancient Silk Road paths, and taste Dunhuang cuisine

Tour Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Yangguan
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Photography Enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥900-¥1500
01
Artistic Treasure
Mogao Grottoes · Digital Exhibition Center
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Dunhuang, visit the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center to watch the theme movie. In the afternoon, visit the Mogao Grottoes in person to appreciate the murals and painted sculpture art. In the evening, watch the situational experience drama "Meet Dunhuang Again".

Attraction Arrangement
Mogao Grottoes
A world cultural heritage site, with 735 existing caves, 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 clay sculptures, known as the "Louvre of the East".
Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center
Through the 4K ultra-high-definition theme movie "Millennium Mogao" and the dome movie "Dreamlike Buddha Palace", the artistic charm of Mogao Grottoes is displayed in an all-round way.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dunhuang Villa
  • Sunshine Shazhou Hotel
  • Crescent Spring Town Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles
  • Dunhuang Niangpi (Cold Noodle Jelly)
  • Apricot Skin Water
Travel Tips
  • Book Mogao Grottoes tickets 1 month in advance
  • No photography allowed inside the caves
  • Bring valid ID documents
02
Desert Wonder
Mingsha Mountain · Crescent Spring
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day visiting Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area, experience sand sliding, camel riding and other activities. Enjoy the desert sunset scenery in the evening, and observe the starry sky at night.

Attraction Arrangement
Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring
A national key scenic spot, with a clear spring surrounded by singing sand dunes, the combination of sand singing and spring reflection is known as "a unique scenery beyond the Great Wall".
Practical Information
Experience Activities
  • Desert Sand Sliding
  • Camel Riding
  • Desert Off-Road
  • Helicopter Sightseeing
Ticket Information
  • Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: ¥110
  • Camel Riding: ¥100 per person
Travel Tips
  • Best to visit in early morning or evening
  • Prepare sun protection and sand prevention supplies
  • Carry enough drinking water
03
Ancient Silk Road
Yangguan · Dunhuang Museum
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, go to Yangguan Ruins to experience the artistic conception of "Beyond Yangguan, there are no old friends". In the afternoon, visit Dunhuang Museum to systematically understand Dunhuang's history. Buy local specialties such as luminous cups and Dunhuang paper-cuts before returning.

Attraction Arrangement
Yangguan
A vital pass on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road in the Han Dynasty, with existing beacon tower ruins and Yangguan Museum. Visitors can experience customs clearance documents, horse riding and other activities.
Dunhuang Museum
A national first-class museum, systematically displaying Dunhuang's history and culture from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, with a large collection of precious cultural relics.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 1.5 hours' drive from urban area to Yangguan
  • Recommended to charter a car or join a one-day tour
  • Museum is open for free
Specialty Recommendations
  • Luminous Cup
  • Dunhuang Paper-cut
  • Li Guang Apricot Dried
  • Cynomorium Songaricum
Return Suggestions
  • Dunhuang Airport is 12 km from urban area
  • Recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance
  • Can take evening flight to return

Must-Try Food in Dunhuang

Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles

A special delicacy of Dunhuang, with tender donkey meat and chewy handmade yellow noodles, served with special sauce, it is the most representative food of Dunhuang.

Dunhuang Niangpi (Cold Noodle Jelly)

A local specialty snack, the Niangpi is smooth and chewy, served with mustard, vinegar, chili and other seasonings, sour and spicy, a perfect summer refreshment.

Apricot Skin Water

A specialty drink of Dunhuang, boiled with dried Li Guang apricots, sweet and sour, promoting fluid production and quenching thirst, an excellent summer drink.

Dunhuang Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Mild climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear and crisp weather
  • Avoid high temperature in summer (June-August)
Must-Experience Activities
  • Art appreciation at Mogao Grottoes
  • Sand sliding at Mingsha Mountain
  • Horse riding at Yangguan
  • Dunhuang night view
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥400
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400 per night
  • Catering: ¥80-150 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥200
  • Total: ¥900-1500
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to book Mogao Grottoes tickets? → Book 1 month in advance on official website
  • Best time to visit Mingsha Mountain? → Early morning or evening
  • What experience activities are available at Yangguan? → Horse riding, customs clearance documents
  • What are Dunhuang's specialty souvenirs? → Luminous cup, Dunhuang paper-cut

Explore Travel in Districts and Counties of Jiuquan City