Dunhuang is a medium-sized city on the old Silk Road in Gansu Province, northwest China. It is surrounded by sand and has a number of interesting nearby attractions, including the Crescent Moon Lake and the Mogao Caves.
Although Dunhuang has decent enough tourist facilities, with hotels, shops, restaurants, banks, and a buzzing market, the real appeal is outside amid the shifting dunes.
Crescent Moon Lake is the closest major attraction to Dunhuang. It is a perfect oasis in a desert and has been here for thousands of years. It’s just a few kilometers south of Dunhuang and you can walk the huge dunes here or go camel riding.
The Mogao Caves are the biggest attraction and accessed by bus, private tour or taxi from Dunhuang. There are almost 500 separate grottoes in the Mogao Caves - a UNESCO World Heritage site with some amazing Buddhist art.
Getting There & Away
Dunhuang Airport is 13kms from downtown and receives flights from Lanzhou and Beijing (3 hours). Trains and buses come in from Lanzhou, the Gansu capital, in around 20 hours. Very few people arrange car hire to Dunhuang as it is so remote.
Things to Do
Dunhuang Attractions
- White Horse Pagoda
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A fine, multi-tiered pagoda in town which was built by an indian monk who honored his horse after it died bringing him to china.
Side trips from Dunhuang
- Crescent Moon Lake
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Just a few minutes south of dunhuang, this spring oasis is surrounded by towering dunes.
- Mogao Caves
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The main attraction on this part of the silk road is one of hundreds of separate grottoes, each featuring fabulous artwork.
Events
- Dunhuang Variety Show
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Goes off from june to october with singing and dancing that harks back to the height of the silk road days.