Truth! A Complete Guide to Dunhuang Travel from March to May. This Is All You Need! My suggestions…

Hey guys, if you're planning a trip to Dunhuang from March to May, look no further! This guide covers attractions, food, transportation, accommodation, and super practical travel tips to help you navigate Dunhuang with ease, avoiding pitfalls and getting lost! 1. Itinerary Planning 4-Day Tour of Zhangye + Jiayuguan + Dunhuang - Day 1: Take the train from Lanzhou to Zhangye to start your journey to the Great Northwest. Upon arrival, head to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to see nature's palette overturned, outlining stunning landforms. In the evening, go to the Danxia Tourist Resort Town to taste the local cuisine and experience the local customs. Afterward, head to Jiayuguan for your overnight stay. - Day 2: Visit the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven"—Jiayuguan Pass—and experience the grandeur of this ancient military fortress. Then, head to Guazhou and check in at the earth art sculptures such as Son of Earth, Infinity, and Might of Han Dynasty to experience the collision of modern art and the desert. Arrive in Dunhuang in the evening. - Day 3: Depart from Dunhuang and head to the Yumenguan Pass, recalling the historical vicissitudes of "The spring wind does not pass Yumenguan". Then, go to the Yadan Devil City to admire the Yadan landforms created by nature's uncanny workmanship. Return to Dunhuang city in the evening and stroll around the imitation Song Dynasty Shazhou Ancient City to experience the feeling of traveling through thousands of years. - Day 4: Get up early and go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring to experience the wondrous sight of "sand and spring coexisting" in the desert. You can also experience camel riding and sand sliding. In the afternoon, visit the Mogao Caves and admire the treasures of Buddhist art from thousands of years ago. 5-Day Tour of Zhangye + Jiayuguan + Dunhuang The first three days are the same as the 4-day tour. - Day 4: After visiting Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring and the Mogao Caves, take the overnight train back to Lanzhou. - Day 5: Arrive in Lanzhou in the morning, concluding your enriching Hexi Corridor tour. 2. Must-See Attractions in the Hexi Corridor Mogao Caves: This World Cultural Heritage site is Dunhuang's calling card. The exquisite murals and Buddha statues inside the caves have survived for thousands of years, telling the glory of the Silk Road. Book your tickets in advance on the official Mogao Caves reservation website and choose a suitable visiting time. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: A miracle in the desert, Crescent Moon Spring is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, and the spring water has not dried up for thousands of years. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the scorching sun and enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset. Yangguan Pass: Once an important pass on the Silk Road, although only ruins remain today, the poem "West of Yangguan, no old friends" still evokes its former importance. Here, you can participate in the departure ceremony at the Yangguan Pass Captain's Mansion for an immersive historical experience. Yumenguan Pass: An important pass of the Great Wall of Han Dynasty, the remaining ruins of the small square city appear particularly desolate in the vast desert. Standing on the city wall, you can almost see the battles of the past. Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark: A unique Yadan landform group, amidst the howling wind, it resembles a mysterious ancient city, with peculiar landscapes such as the "West Sea Fleet". It is most spectacular at sunset. Dunhuang Museum: The museum houses a large collection of historical relics from the Dunhuang area. Through the display of these relics, you can gain a deeper understanding of Dunhuang's historical changes and cultural heritage. It is a window to understanding Dunhuang. Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Famous for its colorful hues and unique landforms, the Rainbow Mountains are even more vibrant after rain. It is recommended to take the scenic sightseeing bus to visit the various viewing platforms. Jiayuguan Pass: The first major pass at the western end of the Great Wall of Ming Dynasty, the architecture is magnificent and well-preserved. Climb the city wall to overlook the scenery inside and outside the pass and feel the weight of history. 3. Recommended Local Cuisine Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles: A Dunhuang specialty, the yellow noodles are as thin as dragon whiskers, flexible, and resistant to pulling. After seasoning the soup, it is served with braised donkey meat, offering a smooth, chewy texture and rich aroma. Mutton Noodle Soup: Delicious mutton soup paired with smooth noodles, sprinkled with chopped green onions and coriander. A warm and comforting dish, it is a favorite breakfast for Dunhuang locals. Poplar Braised Pancake: The dough is cut into pancakes and placed on stewed mutton to braise. The pancakes absorb the mutton soup, becoming soft and flavorful, while the mutton remains tender and not gamey. Liangpi: Smooth in texture, served with chili oil, vinegar, and other seasonings, it is sour and spicy, a perfect summer treat. Apricot Skin Drink: Made with local Li Guang apricots, it is sweet, sour, and appetizing, refreshing and relieving greasiness. In the dry Northwest, a glass of apricot skin drink is incredibly satisfying. 4. Travel Tips Ticket Booking: During peak season, book Mogao Caves tickets one month in advance through official channels to avoid delays. Transportation Options: If you are traveling with a larger group and covering longer distances, chartering a car is a good option. Inquire with several car rental companies for price comparisons before your trip to save money. Visiting Mingsha Mountain: Wear slippers for easy on and off. It is recommended to prepare good quality sand-proof shoe covers in advance, as the disposable ones at the scenic spot are prone to damage. You can also put a sand-proof cover on your phone to prevent sand from getting in. Clothing Suggestions: The temperature difference between day and night in the Northwest is significant. From March to May, it is still quite cold in the mornings and evenings, so remember to bring a thick jacket, such as a windproof and waterproof jacket. You can prepare wasteland-style or Western-style clothing for atmospheric photos. Solid-colored clothing, such as pure white or pure black, also looks great against the desert backdrop. There are also many costumes available for rent at the scenic spot. Sun and Sand Protection: The Northwest has strong sunlight, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from sand, and a wind and sand-proof mask or versatile headscarf is also essential. Other Items: Prepare lip balm and lotion to prevent dry skin. You can prepare some disposable underwear for easy changing. Wet wipes are also useful as the desert area is dusty.