Everything you need to know for a trip to Dunhuang, a desert city shaped by the Silk Road and its thousand-year-old treasures, surrounded by vast Gobi landscapes.
Nestled in the remote, arid expanses of Gansu Province, Dunhuang holds immense historical and cultural significance in the heart of China. This ancient oasis city, often referred to as the “Pearl on the Silk Road”, has a history that stretches back over two millennia, making it a vital crossroads for trade, culture, and religion.
Dunhuang’s historical importance is deeply intertwined with the famed Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected the East to the West. The city bore witness to the exchange of goods, ideas, and beliefs between East and West.
Today, hordes of Chinese tourists swarm this remote place, but you can still see why the area has been so important for such a long time. In this Travel Guide, you will find helpful information to help you arrange your trip to Dunhuang and its surroundings. Here you can find my travel guide to another amazing place in Gansu: the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, and here is my China DIY Travel Guide.
If you want a travel guide on Gansu, check out this article.
Best Time to Visit
Since it’s in the desert, Dunhuang experiences extreme weather, making the timing of the visit very important. The best time to explore this area is during Spring or early Autumn.
The months between April and June offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit the province. The months of September and October are also ideal, as the weather remains favorable and the tourist crowds have already reduced by early autumn. Just remember to avoid the first week of October at all costs since it’s a national holiday.
Where to Stay and for how long
Dunhuang is a good starting point to explore the surrounding areas. I stayed at the Huaxia Hotel, which is located right before the scenic Crescent Moon Oasis area. It’s a 5-star hotel but with Chinese characteristics, which means that it’s between 3 and 4 stars by international standards. The rooms are pretty comfortable, though.
The duration of your stay in Dunhuang will depend on the number of attractions you want to explore. Typically, a 2-3 day stay is sufficient to cover the city’s highlights and the surrounding areas.
How to get to Dunhuang
Dunhuang is relatively isolated, but there are several ways to reach this city:
- By Air: Dunhuang Airport (DNH) offers domestic flights to major cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Lanzhou. Check the flight on Trip.com.
- By Train: Dunhuang Railway Station is well connected to cities such as Lanzhou, Xi’an, and Jiayuguan via both high-speed and regular trains. The train journey offers stunning views of the Gobi Desert and surrounding landscapes. You can book your train ticket using Trip.com.
- By Bus: Dunhuang has long-distance bus connections to cities in Gansu Province and neighboring regions. I don’t recommend this option because it’s time-consuming, and foreigners often have trouble booking bus tickets in advance.
How to explore Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a treasure trove of historical and natural wonders. Here’s how to explore the city, assuming 3 nights there and 2 full days to visit the most interesting places.
Day one: Mingsha Shan – Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山月牙泉景区)
This is one of the most iconic places in the Gobi Desert, and for good reason. The small crescent-shaped pond, surrounded by towering dunes, is a surreal sight and a must-see stop for anyone traveling along the ancient Silk Road. It’s also one of the most photographed locations in the region, so expect lots of crowds, especially during weekends and holidays, when busloads of domestic tourists pour in.
There are plenty of activities to do, from sand sliding and paragliding to helicopter rides for a bird’s-eye view of the oasis. Camel rides are popular, too, though I don’t recommend them because of how the animals are treated.
For the best experience, hike up the massive dune (you can’t miss it, follow the stream of Chinese tourists heading up) and enjoy the view of the oasis framed by the desert. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh light and at least some of the crowds, and to catch the most beautiful colors over the sand.
Unfortunately, drones are not allowed here.
Mogao Caves (莫高窟景区)
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These caves have a history that spans over a millennium. The first cave was carved into the cliffside in the fourth century, and over time, hundreds more were created, housing a magnificent collection of Buddhist sculptures, frescoes, manuscripts, and relics.
The Mogao Caves are famous for their number and the artistic and historical significance of their contents. You can witness the evolution of Buddhist art and iconography across different dynasties and eras, from early Buddhist symbolism to the flourishing of the Tang Dynasty’s artistic renaissance.
The site provides a vivid panorama of Buddhist teachings and religious practices, showcasing the fusion of diverse cultural influences, from Indian and Central Asian to Chinese and Tibetan.
These caves have played a crucial role in preserving the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, making them an invaluable historical and cultural resource. They are often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the East.”
You can also find similar ones in Xinjiang (here’s my guide), but these are preserved slightly better. Keep in mind, however, that generally speaking, most of the paintings have been destroyed or are in very poor condition.
Ancient Sound of Dunhuang theater show (樂動敦煌)
I’m often reluctant to attend shows in China, but I have to be honest:The Ancient Sound of Dunhuang is amazing. It’s a mix of performances by local artists, light shows, and classic Chinese comedy sketches. It lasts about 2 hours, and you won’t regret it.
To be sure not to miss it, ask your hotel for the time and for help booking the tickets.
Dunhuang Museum and Night Market
The Dunhuang Museum is a good place to learn about the region’s history and culture, with a focus on the Silk Road and its impact on Dunhuang. Unfortunately, most of the artifacts don’t have English labels, as is often the case in similar museums across the country.
Dunhuang also has a vibrant night market. Don’t miss trying the famous Dunhuang noodles and local snacks. The whole area is renowned for its delicious raisins and dried fruits, some of the best in China.
Day Two: Yangguan Pass (阳关景区)
On the second day, you’ll need to hire a local driver to take you deep into the desert and explore some of the historical places in the area (send me a DM on Instagram if you need a recommendation).
The first one is the Yangguan Scenic Spot. Nestled along the ancient Silk Road, Yangguan holds a unique place in history as one of the most vital checkpoints along this legendary trade route. It served as a western frontier outpost during various dynasties, acting as a sentinel and resting point for travelers. The significance of Yangguan is immortalized in classical Chinese poetry, most notably in Wang Wei’s “Leaving the South Gate at Yangguan,” a renowned Tang Dynasty work that beautifully captures the melancholy of travelers departing on long, uncertain journeys.
Today, the site features the reconstructed Yangguan Pass, complete with its imposing fortress walls, watchtowers, and a visitor center that provides detailed insights into the area’s history.
What’s most impressive, in my opinion, is the huge vineyard that grows right in the desert.
There is a small village right along the vineyard, and it is a good place to have lunch and enjoy some local grapes. Also in this area, drones are technically not allowed, but no one cares.
Yumen Pass (玉门关景区)
The next destination is Yumen Pass, an ancient fortress that played a significant role in ancient trade and cultural exchange.
Its name, “Yumen,” translates to “Jade Gate,” an appellation derived from the ancient belief that this site was as precious and essential as the finest gem. Yumen Pass served as a vital gateway and defensive outpost on the northern route of the Silk Road, a critical link connecting the heart of China to Central Asia and, ultimately, the Western world.
This fortified stronghold was established during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE) to safeguard the lucrative Silk Road trade routes from nomadic invasions.
Dunhuang Yadan Global Geopark (敦煌雅丹世界地质公园)
Often forgotten by those who visit Gansu, this spectacular area is worth the detour. It’s located a few kilometers from the border of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, and the road to get there is fantastic.
Yadan, which means “steep hill” in Uyghur, perfectly describes the park’s prominent features: towering, wind-carved sandstone formations that have taken on incredible shapes over millions of years. The forces of nature have created a landscape resembling something from a science fiction novel.
The silence of the desert stands in stark contrast to the noise of the tourist areas near Dunhuang. Recommended!
Before heading into this area, double-check with your hotel if foreigners can pass the checkpoint to enter the desert. There are a few not-so-secret military bases, and there are often restrictions for non-Chinese citizens.
Visiting Dunhuang is not about immersing yourself in local culture or modern city life because, unlike other parts of China (especially the Tibetan Plateau), you will not find much of that here.
What makes this corner of China so unique is the combination of breathtaking desert landscapes and traces of ancient history that once made this area a vital stop along the Silk Road. Standing in front of the Mogao Caves or climbing the dunes around Crescent Lake, you really feel how people have always struggled against the desert while leaving behind something remarkable.
If you are planning a trip to China, remember that you need a VPN to access the internet, and popular ones like ExpressVPN and NordVPN DO NOT WORK. At the moment, this one is working properly. If you prefer an eSIM, I recommend this one. This is a reliable Travel Insurance for China.
Here you can find my quick guide to another incredible place: Furong Ancient Town. Here are some more pictures I took in Gansu. Here is my Quick Travel Guide to Beijing.
Thank you for the information and really awesome. Waiting to come over to China in Sept.
My pleasure. Hope you’ll have a great time.