Though embraced by the vast Gobi, Dunhuang still has various transport methods available for your trip.


By City-Bus

Downtown Dunhuang is not large, and there are only four city-bus routes running along fixed lines. They start from the urban area and stretch into the countryside in different directions. Buses in Dunhuang City are mostly of a medium size. They operate between the hours from 07:00 until 22:00 every day. With departures every 15 minutes costing CNY1 for the through trip, bus No. 3 will take you to Echoing-Sand Mountain. Mogao Caves can be reached by buses in front of the Dunhuang Hotel, Silk Road Hotel with a fare of CNY8 per person.

Tips:
1. City-bus services in Dunhuang are not very punctual so it maybe necessary for you to take other transport methods into consideration on your trip.
2. City-bus drivers know Dunhuang quite well. You would usually get correct information by asking them your way.


By Taxi

It is very convenient and easy for tourists to take a taxi. There are many taxies driving around the city, or parked at the airport, bus station, hotels and historic sights etc. The flag-down-rates of taxies are range from CNY5 to CNY10 according to the different taxi types. Beyond the first 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles), the extra fee will be charged which is about CNY1 for mini taxies and CNY1.2 for a sedan. Tourists may take a taxi to Echoing-Sand Mountain (about CNY10 and CNY20 for round trip), which is 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) away from downtown Dunhuang. Generally, tourists travel to sights of interest by taxi or minibus, the fair is negotiable and will be reasonable. You can hire the taxi for the day to visit Mogao Caves, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, the cost (including the waiting time and parking) in total is about CNY100 to CNY120 for a sedan.

Tips:
It usually costs only CNY5 to get to anywhere within downtown Dunhuang since the city is not large. Charter a taxi is a great way for you to get around the attractions near Dunhuang. It is better to Echoing-Sand Mountain and Mogao Caves by city bus.


By Rickshaw

Rickshaw is an interesting part of scene in Dunhuang City. Such vehicles run through the streets and lanes making your trip flexible and convenient. You can easily get it in the street directly. Generally, CNY1 for one kilometer (about 0.6 mile)


By Bicycle

Dunhuang is not large, and you can get around it by bicycle easily and make a close touch with this small city. On Mingshan Road, there are several rental services, the fee can be negotiated, generally CNY1 per hour.