Dunhuang Travel Guide

Echoing-Sand Mountain

Pictures

4-Day Private Silk Road Dunhuang Tour from $619

13-Day Private Tour to Beijing/ Xi'an/ Dunhuang/
Turpan/ Urumqi/ Shanghai from $2978

Situated near the boundary of Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, the historical city Dunhuang is a renowned tourist destination, famous for the Mogao Caves. The landform of this area is a declining basin-plain from west to northeast, high in the north and south, and low in the middle, with Mt. Qilian in the south, Mt. Mazong in the north and desert from east to west.

In ancient times, Dunhuang was the trade center between China and its western neighbors. At that time, it was the most westerly frontier military garrison in China. With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, it was prompted to become the most open area in international trade in ancient Chinese history. It provided the only access westward for the Chinese Empire and eastward for western nationalities. Today, as a reminder of this historical area, we are left with the Mogao Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass and many wonderful Chinese poems depicting the time. As a city in desert, sandstorm usually happens, so prepare glasses, hats and gauze kerchiefs to protect you. The best visiting time is from May to September.

Attractions

Transportation

Flight is the most direct method from some major Chinese cities to Dunhuang. Trains are available from Xi'an, Lanzhou and Jiayuguan. In addition, long-distance buses extend to Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, Kumul, Urumqi, Turpan and Xining. There are buses from downtown to nearby attractions or one can hire a car for traveling around.

Weather

Maps

Downtown Map
Location in Gansu
Location in China

Dining

Close to Xinjiang, food in Dunhuang combines features of both Xinjiang cuisine and Lanzhou food. Mutton is very popular local food. Flour foods such as minced noodles are delicious. Those who want spicy food can eat Ma La Tang (a kind of hotpot) in restaurants along streets. Small but authentic restaurants are very easy to find such as the Daji Lvrou Huangmian Restaurant famous for Yellow Noodles with Donkey Meat. In addition, Shazhou Night Market is a must for tasting local snacks.

Shopping

Without large shopping malls, Shazhou Market and Feitian Market sell various souvenirs such as carpets, craftworks of camel imitations, and luminous cups. Visitors can go to Shazhou Market at night. There one can purchase souvenirs while enjoying tasty snacks.

Nightlife

Night here is usually used for a good rest, since there are a few cafes, bars or discos. If you want to make full use of the traveling time, Shazhou Market is highly recommended to go to pick up some souvenirs or eat some snacks. Or watching the Summer of Dunhuang is a nice option to learn more local culture.

History

With four thousand years' history, the city played a vital role in China's development. It used to be an important portal to central China from Middle Asia. Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was its heyday.