Dunhuang is the top tourist city in China. It is a famous city encompassing many charming attractions including the Mogao Caves, the Western Thousand-Buddhas Cave, Yumen Pass, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, among others, setting off a rush to experience such a mysterious land. Main sights in and around Dunhuang City are divided into two lines. This article will introduce each line's beauties.

East line: Mogao Caves-Echoing Sand Mountain-Crescent Lake-Dunhuang Folk-Custom Museum

Mogao Caves,located 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) southeast of Dunhuang City, should be regarded as the premier Buddhist spot in China, perhaps in the whole world. The artistic features of the treasured Buddhist murals represent perfectly the artistic style of the Northern Wei (386-543), Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties through the combination of the architecture, statues and murals in the caves.

Tourists can take the middle sized buses downtown to get there, however, we suggest taking a taxi for its convenience and negotiable fare, generally RMB 35 for a minibus and slightly more for a car. Time permitting; one can take a taxi from the airport directly to the Mogao Caves. The cost of hiring a taxi from the airport is much higher, but if you carry your luggage to the road outside of the airport, the cost is less because the distance is shorter than from downtown to the Mogao Caves.

The following are tips on visiting the Mogao Caves:
Presently, there are about ten caves and two exhibition centers open to the public, occasionally more during public holidays. To allow for the preservation of the murals, no photographic equipment is permitted. Furthermore, since there is no light in the caves, tourists are allowed to carry flashlights or rent them from an area outside of the caves. It is best to visit in the morning for the sunshine fills the caves with radiance at that time and there aren't as many tourists. It is also recommended that tourists read some introductory materials before visiting the caves otherwise it may be difficult to fully understand the profound and wonderful meanings of the murals.

Echoing-Sand Mountain, 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) south of Dunhaung City, is the accumulation of years of sand the size of rice. Each time the wind blows, there is a sound from the mountain and when there is a breeze, the sound is like musical instruments, hence the name Echoing-Sand Mountain. The most marvelous experience is when after climbing to the top, although quite strenuous, one can slide down to the foot of the mountain, a wonderfully amusing experience!

Crescent lake is located in the arms of Echoing-Sand Mountain, appearing clear and beautiful.

Tourists can take bus No. 3 from downtown, although not the most convenient route. Hiring a taxi (about RMB 15) or renting a bicycle, if one is energetic enough, are other alternatives. It is said that the sunset around Echoing-Sand Mountain, is a must-see and the best time for viewing is during the summer. Tourists should be properly prepared before setting out to visit the sand blown mountain.

Dunhuang Folk-Custom Museum is located inside Crescent Lake's scenic spot. Constructed in the traditional Dunhuang architectural style, it presents the folk-customs of western China, including religion, everyday life, wedding custom, needlework, etc.

West line: Yadan National Geology Park-Yumen Pass-Yangguan Pass-Western Thousand-Buddhas Cave

Dunhuang Yadan National Geology Park is a physiognomy landscape formed by aeolian erosion. It is composed of various sculptures, and one may find numerous well known architectures here. It is situated 75 kilometers (about 46.6 miles) west of the Yumen Pass, taking approximately three hours to reach by taxi. Because of the eeriness of the sound of the wind blowing at night, the locals refer to it as Ghost Town. While traveling on this line, tourists should prepare enough food and water and bring along a hat and sunglasses. Cameras should also be protected from the strong sandstorms.

Yangguan Pass is located 70 kilometers (about 43.5 miles) southwest of Dunhuang. It is the gateway to the south western region on the way to the Silk Road. The beacon tower is all that remains of the Pass. Near Yangguan Pass is Nanhu, a local grape producing area and Grape Gallery. Tourists can sit on the stone benches, sample the sweet grapes and wander through the gallery to learn about local folk-customs.

Situated 90 kilometers (about 55.9 miles) northwest of Dunhuang City, Yumen Pass was an important gateway to the western region in ancient times. Yumen Pass, Hecang Town and Han Great Wall (Han Dynasty), are the many sights in this area. If desired, tourists can purchase tickets for just the Yumen Pass.

Since the two Passes are a distance from Dunhuang, one can have a feel for the desolation of western China. Yangguan Pass is relatively closer to the city and a comparatively smoother ride. Taxis can be hired for the hour drive and it is wise to stay away from minibuses, as the fare is greater.

Another important Buddhist spot is Western Thousand-Buddhas Cave, situated 35 kilometers (about 21.7 miles) southwest of Dunhuang, on a cliff north of Danghe River. It won its name due to its location in the western part of Mogao Caves. Most of the sixteen caves were excavated during the North Wei Dynasty (386-543). Approximately seven of the caves can not be reached, but tourists can observe them from a distance.

White Horse Dagoba established in 386, is 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) from the center of downtown. It is the burial place of Kumarajiva, a Master specializing in Buddhist Dharma's white horse. After being restored many times, the Dagoba is another fine sight of Dunhuang City.

Besides Dunhuang Museum, the sister caves of Mogao Caves - Yulin Caves are also worth a visit.