Lanzhou-Dunhuang Hexi Corridor 7-Day Tour Itinerary Part 3

Day 5: 📍Mogao Caves -> 📍Western Jin Dynasty Murals 🌞 Morning: We headed to the Mogao Caves early. After visiting the regular caves, we wanted to see the special caves, but since we arrived a bit late, only Line 3 was available (still very spectacular!) There were many tourists, and some sections felt a bit crowded, but seeing the vibrant colors on the stone walls inside the dark caves, preserved for thousands of years, was an indescribable shock. Comparatively, we still prefer the explanation style at Yulin Caves—more relaxed and at a comfortable pace. We spent almost half a day at Mogao Caves and almost missed the afternoon visit to the Western Jin Dynasty mural tomb. 🌄 Evening: This site really tests the guide’s skill. Following the explanation from the architectural structure, tomb brick walls, to the mural layout and content, it felt like witnessing ancient craftsmen creating a complete little world underground for the deceased. The most shocking part is that this place was actually robbed! Seeing the robbery tunnel on site made me realize that “tomb raiding skills are advanced” is not just a novel exaggeration—the tunnel’s angle and position were so precise, I could only say, “Professionals are just professionals…” The experience was very special, highly recommended if time allows. Day 6: 📍Yumen Pass -> 📍Yadan National Geological Park -> 📍Yangguan Pass 🌞 Morning: It’s often said online that “Yumen Pass is just a pile of dirt.” Indeed, its main structure is very simple, but when you stand at the windy spot and look at the vast barren sands, you suddenly understand why the ancients described this place as “the end of the frontier.” The small nearby museum is also worth a visit to fill in the historical context. 🌅 Noon: The heat at Yadan at noon makes you question life itself. One attraction requires a 4-minute walk down and then back, and in those short 8 minutes, I deeply experienced the despair of ancient people trekking across the Gobi Desert. Scorching sun, hot wind, endless desert. Standing there, you can feel that “the real frontier is not romantic, but survival.” 🌄 Evening: Yangguan Pass is definitely more fun than Yumen Pass! In peak season, NPCs reenact ancient postal station and pass life scenes. Unfortunately, we arrived late and the park was about to close, otherwise, we would have stayed longer. Note: Many complaints about Mogao and Yulin Caves online—I personally think if you have no interest in this cultural and Buddhist history after seeing the regular caves, there’s no need to pay extra for the special caves. Photos inside the caves are not allowed; the ones released now are all from replica caves. Dinner: Jingyuan Ga Liu Lamb: Hand-pulled lamb, sand scallion scrambled eggs (my must-order at every meal) Lamb soup Dunhuang Night Market - Kashgar BBQ: Very delicious! The meat chunks are large and perfectly seasoned, their grilled buns are also a must-try. Wusu Hand-Pulled Rice: The hand-pulled rice is incredibly tasty, with each grain distinct and the aroma of meat 🥹 Mouthwatering. Next to Wusu’s place, there seems to be a dish called Guanguan Meat? I found it quite good, very mild but the soup and meat flavors stand out. Hu Sheep Stewed Pancake: Delicious! I think ordering one is enough. Yellow List: Hexi Braised Tripe, Red Willow BBQ, Braised Beef Tendon, Sand Scallion Meat Pie (not as crispy and fragrant as those sold in Jiayuguan tourist area) Gray List: Milk Egg Fermented Rice, Fried Yogurt, Apricot Peel Tea (not as good as the ones at the night market entrance)