Location: Dunhuang
Top Things to do in Dunhuang
Things to do in Dunhuang, Gansu: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Dunhuang ( listen (help·info)) is a county-level city in northwestern Gansu Province, Western China. The 2000 Chinese census reported a population of 187,578 in this city. Dunhuang was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road and is best known for the nearby Mogao Caves. It has also been known at times as Shazhou and, in Uyghur, Dukhan.
Restaurants in Dunhuang
1. Baimata Bridge
2. Mogao Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Located in the Gobi desert, the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas feature beautiful wall fresco paintings and more than 3,000 sculptures dating from the forth to the fourteenth century.
Reviewed By garyr0bertb - China, null
The Mogao Caves or grottos, Dunhuang are amazing and one of the best places I have been to in Asia. I visited Mogao on New Year’s Day 2021, minus 6 degrees centigrade but no snow. I had an English-speaking Chinese tour guide who was excellent – her English was very good; her knowledge of history, art and religion was extensive; and she was gracious in answering my questions. I’ve studied Chinese history at university but Western lecturers and textbooks are no match for a local person who is a part of the culture! I visited 12 caves as this is the low season. If you visit in other seasons, you will see 8 caves. I was mesmerized by the Buddhist sculptures and murals, especially as I could see an evolution of styles through the centuries. The 492 Mogao Caves have art works ranging from the 5th to the 17th Centuries CE with restorations occurring during the Qing Dynasty, even into the early 20th Century. I was amazed at the resilience of the art to earthquakes and humidity, but also perturbed by the looting and vandalism of European and American treasure hunters in the early 20th Century. I spent 5 hours at the caves. This included the tour, visiting the museum (which has special exhibitions), buying books at the giftshop (two in English), having a coffee at the café, and wandering around taking photographs. Some Important Tips: # In high season, there is a daily limit of visitors. # You cannot take photos inside the caves and in parts of the museum. This is important as the light from phones and cameras (even without flash) damages the murals. Be respectful, don’t complain. # You need to go to the Mogao Caves Exhibition Centre first to purchase a ticket (140RMB). This is 5 kms from the centre of Dunhuang town. (Taxi – 30RMB or bus). Here you can watch a film if you wish. Please ask about the frequency of shuttle buses, especially in low season. In 2021, you will need a clear Health Code on your mobile phone (same as per booking into your hotel). # The shuttle bus will take you to the Mogao site 20 kms away (part of the ticket price). # Follow the passengers to the entry gate and show your ticket. If you want an English tour guide, please let them know here. I am unsure which other languages are available. # You cannot choose the caves you wish to see but all groups will see the main ones. # Don’t forget the onsite museum, gift and bookshop and café. # Shuttle buses leave regularly to the Exhibition Centre. From here, hop on a town bus or grab one of the waiting taxis in the car park back to Dunhuang town. # Doing a little reading about Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism, and Chinese history beforehand might influence your experience.
3. Shouchang City Site off Dunhuang
4. Dunhuang Leiyin Temple
5. Xijin Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By snowmountainfox - London, United Kingdom
Very well preserved tombs from the late 3 Kingdoms period and the Eastern Han Dynasty. The paintings on the tomb walls and bricks are breathtaking. Visitors are guided by local guides who provide excellent background information.
6. Xuanquanzhi Ruins
7. Yangguan Historic Sites
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By jtaylor946 - Guangzhou, China
I’m giving this 5 stars for the amazing scenery! Before you get to the pass, you need to go through a museum area. You can see some ancient relics and find out more about the history of the area. I wasn’t particularly interested in this. After you leave the museum area, you take a short ride to the actual pass. There’s not too much of the pass left, but the views are incredible, made better by the blue sky! I definitely recommend visiting here if you’re in this area!
8. West Lake Nature Reserve of Dunhuang
9. Yumen Pass
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By swirlwind - Perth, Australia
It was built in Han Dynasty about 2000 years ago. Also known as Jade Gate Pass north of Dunhuang in the middle of Gobi desert. It was impressive to see the Great Wall extending from China's east coast all the way here in Silk Road. An excitement for Great Wall enthusiasts. Entrance 40Yuan part of the one day tour.
10. Great Wall of Han Dynasty
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By dianneskelton - Wellington, New Zealand
This part of the Great Wall is constructed quite differently and mostly hasn't stood the test of time. Great to be in the Gobi Desert on the Ancient Silk Road and to come across a part of the Great Wall this old.
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