What is Dunhuang famous for?
Undoubtedly, the Mogao Caves are a masterpiece where breathtaking murals and sculptures narrate over a thousand years of Buddhism’s eastward journey, along with depictions of clothing art, wedding and funeral customs, and daily life in the Dunhuang region. The Echoing-Sand Mountain invites thrill-seekers to ride a camel, while Crescent Lake enchants with its oasis views. As an important border city, the region’s Yangguan Pass, Jade Gate Pass, and the Great Wall of Han Dynasty showcase ingenious defensive strategies. For food hunters, don’t miss the Shazhou Night Market in your Dunhuang tours for tasty beef and mutton dishes.
How long to spend in Dunhuang?
2-3 days are enough to cover all highlights of Dunhuang, including the Mogao Caves, Echoing-sand Mountain, Crescent Lake, Jade Gate Pass, the Great Wall of Han Dynasty, and Yardang National Geopark. Extend your Dunhuang tour to Zhangye and Jiayuguan via high-speed train if you have 5 to 7 days, where the wonderful Danxia landforms and the Overhanging Great Wall await. With a longer vacation, consider a more in-depth Silk Road pilgrimage to explore Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashgar in Xinjiang.
How do I get to Dunhuang?
Flying is the most convenient option. From major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an, direct flights to Dunhuang range from 2.5 to 5.5 hours. There is an 11-hour direct high-speed train available from Xi'an to Dunhuang every day, connecting Lanzhou, Xining, Zhangye and Jiayuguan on the way. Upon arrival, you can take a 20-minute taxi ride or a 1-hour shuttle bus to downtown.
Since public transportation within Dunhuang is insufficient, taxis are necessary to access the main attractions. However, hailing a taxi after your tour can be difficult. To avoid any hassle, consider our private Dunhuang tour packages for seamless transfer service and a well-planned itinerary.
How to visit the Mogao Caves from Dunhuang?
You can take a 30-minute taxi ride for CNY 40 (USD 6) to the Mogao Caves, or a 1.5-hour shuttle bus for CNY 5 (USD 0.7) from the railway station to get there. It’s quite necessary to book the entrance ticket online 1 month before your visit due to its popularity.
What is the best time to visit Dunhuang?
May to June and September to October are ideal. During these months, the average temperature hovers around 10 - 19℃ (50 - 66℉), making it pleasant for outdoor activities including camel rides and sand sliding. It’s advisable to wear a light windproof jacket, paired with a hoodie, T-shirt, and jeans. Sun and dust protection gear is also essential. However, the temperature difference can reach 10℃ (50℉) in late October, so a wool coat may be necessary.
While November to April is less crowded, frequent strong and cold winds can make outdoor visits challenging. You may also want to avoid arranging your Dunhuang trip during July and August, as temperatures often soar up to 40 ℃ (32℉), and prices for flights and accommodation tend to rise during this peak season.
