[2025 Dunhuang Attraction] Travel Guide for Dunhuang Museum (Updated Apr)

Visited Dunhuang twice, Really like this city, Eating meat heartily, but culturally very delicate. Must experience: ✔️ Costume travel photography, such as flying fairy, Hanfu, etc. ✔️ Desert camping ✔️ Must-visit attractions ✔️ Eat local specialties like donkey meat yellow noodles, Hu sheep braised cake 🫓 - ♾️ "Travel Route" DAY1️⃣: Arrive in Dunhuang - Dunhuang Museum - Desert Camping 🏕️ DAY2️⃣: Desert 🏜️ Sunrise - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring DAY3️⃣: Mogao Caves - See Dunhuang Performance Again DAY4️⃣: Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City - Desert Sculpture Group such as Son of the Earth - 🚗 "Transportation" It is recommended to drive the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, or the Dunhuang-Lanzhou route, which offers a lot of content and flexible timing. If the holiday is short, you can choose to fly to Dunhuang, then take a bus or taxi to explore locally. - 🔆 "Attraction Experience" 1️⃣ Dunhuang Museum (Free, reservation required in advance) Highly recommended! Must-visit! Focusing on the development of Dunhuang through the ages, it showcases different lifestyles. The collection is rich and full of local characteristics. . 2️⃣ Desert Camping When you arrive in Dunhuang, you must stay in the desert for a night! Gather around the bonfire, eat buffet barbecue, watch the stars at night, and climb the sand slope to watch the sunrise in the morning. It will be an unforgettable experience! There are many campsites to choose from on Ctrip. If you have a high budget, you can directly book a high-end luxury camp. When we went early, there were only small tents distributed outdoors. Now it’s much more comfortable! - 3️⃣ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 💰110 One of the eight scenic spots in Dunhuang, a crescent moon in the desert 🌙. You can ride camels, take a helicopter for a bird's-eye view, climb the slope to watch the sunset, and enjoy a concert with thousands of people. ✔️ There are many travel photography studios at the entrance, you can book styling and photography, highly recommended, you won't regret it. - 4️⃣ Mogao Caves 💰Regular ticket 238 💰Emergency ticket 100 Thousand Buddha Caves, also a must-visit attraction in Dunhuang. Tickets must be booked in advance! If you can get a regular ticket, don't get an emergency ticket. Regular tickets allow you to see 8 caves, 2 digital movies, and have a guided tour, while emergency tickets only allow you to see 4 caves. Special caves require on-site purchase. - 5️⃣ See Dunhuang Performance Again 💰298 This is a mobile situational drama divided into four parts. Each time you have to follow the actors to the next scene. It includes the discovery of the Mogao Caves and the artistic expression of the murals. After watching, you will have a deeper understanding of the Mogao Caves. - 6️⃣ Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City 💰60 A large-scale real scene in the desert, more suitable for photography 📸 - 7️⃣ Sculptures such as Son of the Earth In Jiuquan Guazhou, about 120 kilometers from Dunhuang, there are scattered sculpture groups along the roadside, such as Gobi Ark, Hanwu Heroic Wind, Son of the Earth, and Boundless. - 📌 Small Tips ✔️ Pay attention to sun protection, especially your lips, and drink more water. ✔️ When taking photos in the desert, remember to put a protective cover on your camera to prevent sand from getting in.

As a major center along the #silkroad, #dunhuangmuseum exhibits over 4,000 Chinese and Tibetian including written sutras from No. 17 cave of the Mogao caves in Dunhuang are a real evidence of Buddhist activates and relics excavated from the graves of Han Dynasty, The Three Kingdoms Period, Jin Dynasty, Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty. #museum #unforgetabletrip #happynewyear

Attraction Information Located in the northwest of Gansu Province, Dunhuang is home to the Mogao Caves, a World Cultural Heritage site, and the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, a national scenic area. The core scenic area includes the Mogao Caves with 735 caves (peak season tickets CNY 238/including the Digital Center) and the desert spectacle of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring (tickets CNY 110). A 3-day itinerary is recommended, and the best time to visit is from May to June (when apricot blossoms fill the city) and from September to October (when the Populus euphratica trees turn golden). The scenic area is about 25 km from the city center, and the airport bus takes 40 minutes to reach the city center. Tour Guide Dual Heritage Tour Routes Cultural Immersion Route: In-depth tour of the special caves of Mogao Caves (reservations required 1 month in advance for 8 special caves) → Dunhuang Museum (replica of Cave 407) → "See Dunhuang Again" immersive experience drama (mobile viewing mode) Nature & Fun Route: Sunrise camel ride at Mingsha Mountain (enter through the east gate at 5:30) → Crescent Moon Spring Lakeside Plank Road → Desert Stargazing Camping (recommended "Eye of the Desert" campsite with sandboarding + astronomical telescope) Hidden Gem Experiences Xuanquan Site: Ruins of a thousand-year-old post station on the Silk Road, where you can touch the soil layers where Han Dynasty bamboo slips were unearthed Western Thousand Buddha Caves Copying Class: Copy Northern Wei Dynasty flying apsaras with mineral pigments in a replica cave of an unopened cave Yangguan Beacon Tower Night Hike: Hike along the ruins of the Han Dynasty Great Wall with imitation ancient palace lanterns and observe the Milky Way arch bridge at midnight Experience Review Accommodation Comparison Mural-themed Homestay (Dunhuang Academy): Incorporates caisson patterns from the caves into the bed curtains, and hosts nightly clay painting workshops (average price CNY 600), but the bathroom facilities are rather old. Desert Luxury Tent (Dalian Regency): Stargazing rooms are equipped with floor heating and skylights for stargazing, and the butler can arrange late-night bonfire poetry gatherings (CNY 1500+ per person). Budget Inn (next to Shazhou Night Market): Enjoy donkey meat yellow noodles for breakfast at a price of around CNY 100, and the Mingsha Mountain skyline is visible from the rooftop. 🍲Culinary Map Braised Mutton with Pancakes: "Liu Ji" at No. 19, Danghe Style Street, uses sand onions to enhance the flavor, and the pancakes absorb the mutton fat Traditional Apricot Skin Drink: Brewed at the "Dunhuang Academy Canteen" inside the Mogao Caves scenic area, retaining the fruit pulp fiber Freeze-dried Li Guang Apricots: Created by "Dunyu Workshop" on Yangguan East Road using a unique -50°C quick-freezing technology to lock in the apricot aroma Silk Road Legacy: A Civilization Epic Engraved in Sand A Thousand-Year-Old Code of Buddhist Art The construction of the Mogao Caves began in the second year of the Jianyuan reign of the Former Qin Dynasty (366 AD), when Monk Le Zun saw the Buddha's light on the Sanwei Mountain and decided to carve the caves. The Northern Big Buddha in Cave 96 is 35.5 meters high, and its clay body conceals a "nine-layer suspended plastic seismic system" designed by Tang Dynasty craftsmen. When Wang Yuanlu discovered the Library Cave in 1900, among the more than 50,000 cultural relics was the earliest existing star chart, the Dunhuang Star Chart (now housed in the British Museum), which recorded the 1054 supernova 600 years earlier than Europe. A Fusion of Eastern and Western Aesthetics In the Western Wei Dynasty murals of Cave 285, Indian flying apsaras dance with Central Plains feathered figures, and Greek-style columns blend with Persian pearl patterns. The Dunhuang manuscript "Tea and Wine Treatise" records the details of tea-horse trade during the Tibetan occupation in the 8th century, while the "Winemaking Picture" in Cave 3 of the Yulin Caves proves that the Western Xia Dynasty had mastered distillation techniques. The double-headed Buddha Sutra Transformation paintings in the murals coincide with the dualistic beliefs of the Sogdian merchants. The Survival Wisdom of Oasis Ecology The miracle of the Crescent Moon Spring, where "sand does not fill the spring," stems from the "Seven Star Grass" sand fixation project and the underground fault replenishment system built during the Han Dynasty. Han Dynasty bamboo slips from the "Yangguan Garrison Commander's Office" housed in the Dunhuang Museum show that border guards had to record the "Mingsha sound level" daily as a sandstorm warning. This wisdom of incorporating natural phenomena into military management allowed the throat of the Silk Road to survive for thousands of years. 📝Travel Reflections: Touching Eternity in the Folds of Time Time and Space Folded in the Caves When the flashlight sweeps across the early Tang Dynasty murals in Cave 220, the cinnabar of the patron portraits suddenly awakens in the warm light, and the pomegranate skirts of the whirling dancers seem to still be spinning. When the guide softly recites the Dunhuang manuscript S.5448, "Twenty Poems of Dunhuang," those Tang and Song Dynasty travelers who carved "I was here" in the cave corridors and we who are taking pictures with our phones have a cross-millennial gaze through the ribbons of the flying apsaras. Echoes of Civilization in the Singing Sands Sitting alone on the ridge of Mingsha Mountain at night, the sand flows with the wind, emitting an organ-like hum. This natural phenomenon, which once made Zhang Qian mistake it for the "dragon city's demonic soldiers," now sounds like the reverberation of countless camel bells from merchant caravans—Sogdian silver coins, Khotanese jade, and Kucha musical scores are all rearranged into the warp and weft of silk in the sound waves. Existential Thoughts Under the Starry Sky While keeping watch at the Xuanquan Site, the Milky Way flows like an inverted Danghe River over the ruins of the Han Dynasty beacon towers. The direction pointed to by the handle of the Big Dipper is precisely where the Weiyang Palace ruins of Chang'an are located. Suddenly, I understand the desolation of Wang Wei's "West of Yangguan there are no old friends." It is not a geographical separation, but the realization that I am just a grain of flowing sand in the long river of civilization. ✏️Conclusion The beauty of Dunhuang lies in its use of murals to record humanity's pursuit of eternity and its use of quicksand to bury the footprints of all those who seek it. When you gaze into the half-closed eyes of the Nirvana Buddha in Cave 158, identify the camel hoofprints from two thousand years ago on the ruins of the Jade Gate Pass, and hear the strange mix of the three-stringed lute and electronic music at the Shazhou Night Market, this city has already transcended its geographical concept and become a spiritual symbol of cultural fusion. As Ji Xianlin said, "There are only four cultural systems in the world that are long-standing, geographically vast, self-contained, and far-reaching: Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Islamic. And there is only one place where these four cultural systems converge, and that is Dunhuang, China."

I've always heard that "deserts and clear springs are incompatible." But the Crescent Moon Spring in Mingsha Mountain broke this curse✨ The sand will not fall when the wind blows, and the spring water will not dry up for a thousand years. Seeing with your own eyes how shocking the prophet is! 💯 Pro-test super complete strategy + latest Tips sharing, hurry up! 👇 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Direct access to the city by bus No. 3 Or take a taxi to the "Middle Gate of Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area" (enter the middle gate, the shortest walking distance) 🎫 [Ticket Information] ✅ Valid for $110/3 days during peak season (4.1-11.30) ✅ 55 dollars in off-season (12.1-3.31), less people and beautiful scenery more videos Remember to bring your Mainland China ID card to enter the park directly 📸 [Must-Check Route] Visitor Center → Mingyue Square → Yaowang Temple ruins → Koizumi Bay → Mingyue Pavilion → Crescent Moon Spring panoramic view → Climb to the top to watch the sunset (breathtakingly beautiful!) 🔹 Different steps have different ways to play! Wooden ladder No. 1 is perfect for watching the sunrise🌅 Wooden Ladder No. 2 is perfect for participating in the Ten Thousand Stars Concert🎤 (Specific start time is determined according to the day, lasting 1 hour) Rope Ladder No. 4 is perfect for self-challenge + sunset + retreat (less crowded, great for photography) 💡 Tip: Head east to see the full view of Crescent Moon Spring, you don't have to climb to the top! 🐫 [Experience Item] Camel ride $130/40 minutes (great!) Off-Road Motorcycle Line 1: $150/person; Line 2: $340/person (Desert Racing is super exciting) Sandboarding 40 dollars/person (kids love it, but it's a little strenuous) 10,000-person chorus (starts at 20:30 - ends at 21:40, romantic value is full 💫) ⚠【Notes & Money Saving Tips】 1⃣ Shoe covers: buy 5 dollars / pair outside the scenic spot, rent 20 dollars / pair inside the scenic spot (fear of sand essential!) 2⃣ Water: Bring 1-2 sticks, 8 dollars / stick in the scenic spot (hot weather super need, but do not bring too much, heavy!) 3⃣ Barefoot stepping on the sand: The sand is warm in the evening and super comfortable, but be careful of bamboo skewers and other garbage⚠ 4⃣ No toilet on the mountain, solve in advance! 5⃣ Sunscreen three-piece set: sunglasses + mask + hat (UV super strong, sunglasses photography) 6⃣ Shoes: Hiking shoes/Crocs 7⃣ Keep a safe distance for photos with camels, do not tickle them! ✨ [Recommended Itinerary] Dunhuang + Jiayuguan + Zhangye + Xining + Qinghai Lake 7 days Itinerary: D1: Various places → Xining D2: Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha D3: Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring (highlight!) → Dunhuang D5: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan Dunhuang → Zhangye Colorful Danxia Dunhuang → Zhangye D6: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Xining D7: Xining → Back to the warm home 💡 Tips: Drones need to be reported in advance There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening. Bring a jacket. If the weather is sunny, you can bring a sunscreen jacket The moment you stand on top of the sand and look at the Crescent Moon Spring. Suddenly I understood what "the desert is solitary and straight". This clear spring is like the blue eyes of the desert. It's so beautiful that it makes people's hearts flutter💙

Preliminary Preparations - Ticket Reservation: Follow the "Dunhuang Museum" WeChat mini-program to book free tickets in advance. You can also get tickets on-site with your ID card. - Opening Hours: May 1 to September 30, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:30, last entry at 17:30; October 1 to April 30 of the following year, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:00, last entry at 17:00, closed on Mondays. - Other Preparations: You can bring a notebook and pen for taking notes, as well as a portable charger. Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition halls. Transportation Guide - By Car: Navigate to No. 1390, Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang City. The museum has a parking lot. - By Bus: Take Dunhuang Bus No. 3 to the Museum Station, within walking distance. - By Taxi: Taking a taxi within the city is convenient and fast. Visiting Guide - Audio Guide: You can rent an audio guide for CNY 20/each, or hire a museum guide for CNY 100/group (1-10 people) or CNY 200/group (10-20 people). - Visiting Route: Start from the preface hall and visit the five exhibition halls in order. The preface hall displays a map of cultural relics distribution in and around Dunhuang; Hall 1 tells the story of Dunhuang during the Han Dynasty, with large pottery jars, wooden slips, etc.; Hall 2 introduces Dunhuang during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, with exquisite stone pagodas, jade pillows, etc.; Hall 3 presents Dunhuang during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, with tomb-guarding beasts, Tang Dynasty pottery figurines, etc.; Hall 4 displays Dunhuang from the Five Dynasties to the Ming Dynasty, mainly Buddhist art; Hall 5 introduces Dunhuang during the Qing Dynasty, with a restored map of the ancient city, etc. Key Exhibits - Replicas of Scriptures from the Library Cave: Of extremely high historical value, allowing visitors to experience the inheritance of ancient culture and the prosperity of Buddhist culture. - Mural Bricks: A large number of mural bricks depict ancient life scenes, myths, and mythical beasts, showcasing the artistic creativity and lifestyle of ancient people. - Replica Cave of Mogao Cave 45: Visitors can admire the Buddha statues and murals of the prosperous Tang Dynasty up close, such as the "Amitayus Sutra Transformation" on the north wall. Cultural and Creative Shopping - Wide Variety: A variety of exquisite cultural and creative products, such as bags, stationery, and accessories, with novel designs and rich Dunhuang cultural characteristics. - Souvenir Stamp: After the visit, you can get stamps at the cultural and creative store. There are thirty stamps in total. You can bring a small booklet to collect the stamps.

If you want to find a place with few people, beautiful scenery and low cost during the May Day holiday, then Dunhuang is a good choice. Many people imagine that Dunhuang during the May Day holiday is like the peak season, with huge crowds of people. But in reality, it is different from what everyone imagines. 1. Ordinary tickets for Mogao Grottoes can be easily booked, unlike the peak season when tickets are hard to come by; 2. Dunhuang desert camping has just started, and the temperature is just enough to meet the camping standards; 3. Dunhuang in early May is not as hot as in summer. The temperature is around 20 degrees, so it is really comfortable to wear spring and summer clothes. 4. Although the cost is a little higher than usual, it is absolutely cheap compared to July and August. About transportation: 1. Dunhuang's airport and train station are relatively small, with few trains; 2. If you want to visit the scenic spots in Dunhuang city, you can just take a taxi. If you want to visit the west route, you can sign up for a one-day tour or charter a car. 3. Generally, you take the big loop route and land in Xining or Lanzhou, then stop by Dunhuang for two days. A few notes: The full price of Mogao Grottoes is 238 for eight caves, and reservations must be made in advance; Desert camping is open on May 1st, but you still need to keep warm at night; Check-in attractions: 1. Mogao Grottoes 2. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake 3. Yangguan Ruins 4. Dunhuang Museum 5. Dunhuang Yadan Ghost City 6. Desert camping 7. See Dunhuang Again 8. Silk Road Heritage City About the route arrangement for visiting Dunhuang in May: In-depth tour of Dunhuang D1 Mogao Grottoes-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake D2 Yangguan-Yumenguan-Yardang Devil City D3 Yulin Grottoes - Jiayuguan Great Wall - Dunhuang Hexi Corridor single line (starting from Lanzhou and ending in Dunhuang) D1. Lanzhou ~ Zhangye Colorful Danxia D2. Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon - Mati Temple - Zhangye D3. Zhangye - Jiayuguan Great Wall - Son of the Earth - Dunhuang D4. Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain - Shazhou Night Market D5. Yumen Pass - Han Great Wall - Dunhuang Yadan Qinghai-Gansu 5-day compact version: D1 Xining_Qinghai Lake_Chaka Salt Lake_Delingha; D2 Emerald Lake_Western Highway_Silk Road Heritage City_Dunhuang D3 Mogao Grottoes_Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake_Dunhuang (stay overnight); D4 Son of the Earth_Jiayuguan Great Wall_Colorful Danxia (stay overnight); D5 Biandukou_Qilian Grassland_Viewing Snow Peaks from a Distance_Xining. ~ Qinghai-Gansu 6-day Internet celebrity loop: D1 Xining_Qinghai Lake_Chaka Salt Lake_Delingha D2 Internet celebrity 315 National Highway_Water Yadan_Nanbaxian Yadan_Dachaidan D3 Emerald Lake_Oil Town_Silk Road Heritage City_Dunhuang D4 Mogao Grottoes_Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring_Shazhou Night Market D5 Dunhuang_Guazhou Son of the Earth_Jiayuguan Great Wall_Colorful Danxia D6 Biandukou_Qilian Mountain Grassland_Viewing Snow Mountain from a Distance_Xining Qinghai-Gansu 7-Day Grand Loop: D1 Xining_Riyue Mountain_Qinghai Lake_Chaka Salt Lake_Chaka Town D2 Chaka_Qarhan Salt Lake_Emerald Lake_Dachaidan D3U type 315 national highway_Water Yadan_Nanbaxian Yadan_Dachaidan D4 Heidu Mountain_Silk Road Heritage City_Dunhuang D5 Mogao Grottoes_Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring_Shazhou Night Market D6 Son of the Earth_Jiayuguan Great Wall_Colorful Danxia_Zhangye D7 Biandukou_Qilian Grassland & Snow Mountain_Xining Xining·Qinghai Zhangye·Gansu Dunhuang·Jiuquan Qinghai Lake·Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake Dachaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area Mogao Grottoes Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake Heidu Mountain

Dunhuang Museum 📍Location: Located at No. 1390, Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, with a construction area of 7,500 square meters. It is a national second-class museum. 🎫Tickets: Free admission Opening hours⌚️: 9:00–18:00 (last admission at 17:00) There are five exhibition halls in total: First exhibition hall: The great development of Dunhuang in the Han Dynasty Second exhibition hall: The continued development of Dunhuang in the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties Third exhibition hall: The prosperity of Dunhuang in the Sui and Tang Dynasties Fourth exhibition hall: The Tubo, Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties Fifth exhibition hall: The development of Dunhuang in the Qing Dynasty The museum is small in scale and has a limited number of cultural relics. However, you can learn about the historical development of Dunhuang through this visit.

#chinatravelitinerary Ready to explore the stunning Dunhuang? Famous for the Mogao Caves 🏯 and the Silk Road, Dunhuang is a place full of history, art, and desert beauty 🌵. Here’s a simple and relaxed 2-day itinerary to make the most of your trip! ✈️✨ 🌟 Day 1: Beijing → Dunhuang ✈️ 🌅 Morning: Fly to Dunhuang 🔹 7:00 AM – Start your day with a quick breakfast (baozi 🥟 or a warm bowl of congee 🍚). 🔹 8:00 AM – Head to Beijing Capital Airport ✈️. 🔹 9:30 AM – Flight to Dunhuang (~3.5 hrs). 🔹 1:00 PM – Arrive at Dunhuang Airport! Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel 🏨 and get settled in. 🏜️ Afternoon: Explore the Mogao Caves 🏯 🔹 2:30 PM – Visit the Mogao Caves (敦煌莫高窟) – one of China’s greatest treasures! ✅ Famous for its Buddhist murals and statues (some are over 1,000 years old!). ✅ Don’t miss the Bingling Temple 🏯 or the Thousand Buddha Cave! 🌟 ✅ Grab an audio guide or take a tour for more details about the history and art 🎧. 🔹 5:00 PM – Explore the Mogao Caves Museum nearby to see ancient relics and artifacts! 🏺 🔹 6:30 PM – Dinner time! Try Dunhuang’s famous lamb skewers (羊肉串) 🐑🍢 and hand-pulled noodles (拉面) 🍜. 🌙 Evening: Dunhuang City and Mingsha Mountain 🔹 8:00 PM – Take a peaceful walk around Dunhuang City. Visit the Dunhuang Night Market to sample local snacks like crispy pancakes or sweet dates 🥞🍭. 🔹 9:30 PM – If you’re up for it, head to Mingsha Mountain for a desert sunset 🌅. Watch the sand dunes change colors as the sun sets—it’s a magical experience! 🌵✨ 🌟 Day 2: Crescent Lake 🏞️ & Desert Adventures 🏜️ 🌅 Morning: Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes 🌞 🔹 7:30 AM – Early breakfast (maybe some noodles with beef 🍜). 🔹 8:00 AM – Head to Crescent Lake (月牙泉), an oasis in the desert 🌴💧. Walk around the lake and see the white sand dunes surrounding it! 🔹 9:30 AM – Ride a camel 🐪 through the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山). Listen to the sound of the sand shifting underfoot—it’s a unique desert experience! 🍽️ Lunch: Traditional Dunhuang Cuisine 🔹 12:00 PM – Have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Try Dunhuang noodles or braised lamb! 🍲🍖 🌄 Afternoon: Dunhuang Museum & Return Flight 🔹 1:30 PM – Visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about the Silk Road and the ancient cultures in the region! 🏺 🔹 3:00 PM – Head to Dunhuang Airport ✈️ for your return flight to Beijing (~3.5 hrs). 🔹 7:30 PM – Arrive in Beijing—full of memories from the desert! 🌵✈️ ✨ Final Tips! ✅ Bring sunscreen and a hat 🧢—the sun in the desert can be strong! ✅ Wear comfortable shoes 👟—you’ll be walking a lot in sand and historical sites. ✅ Book flights & tours in advance 🎟️ for the best availability! #chinatravel #travel #china #travelplan #dunhuang

Dunhuang Tour: Explore the artistic treasures of the millennium|||Dunhuang is a mysterious place that carries a thousand-year-old legend. When you set foot on this land, it is as if you have traveled through time and space and entered a historical painting. If you want to avoid the scorching heat of the midday sun while traveling in Dunhuang in the summer, why not check out the Dunhuang Museum! Dunhuang Museum: 📍Location: No. 1390, Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu Province 🎫Tickets: Free, but you need to make a reservation 7 days in advance 🕙Opening hours: 👉Summer (May 1 to September 30): Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:30 (last entry at 17:30) 👉Winter (October 1 to April 30 of the following year): Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:00) ❌Closed on Mondays, don't make a wasted trip~ 🎇Exhibition hall layout: The overall layout of the basic exhibition of Dunhuang Museum is very unique! One entrance hall and five exhibition halls are connected to each other. 🌟In the entrance hall, you can see the relief sculpture with the theme of "The City of Hu and Rong" as soon as you enter the door, and the distribution map of Dunhuang and surrounding cultural relics, the chronology of major events in ancient Dunhuang, and the table of historical changes in Dunhuang are introduced around. 🌟The first exhibition hall presents the vigorous development of Dunhuang in the Han Dynasty 🌟The second exhibition hall shows the continuous progress of Dunhuang during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties 🌟The third exhibition hall shows the prosperity of Dunhuang during the Sui and Tang Dynasties 🌟The fourth exhibition hall tells the story of the Tubo and the Five Dynasties and the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties 🌟The fifth exhibition hall reflects the development of Dunhuang in the Qing Dynasty. 🌈Highlights: 1⃣️Lettuce and firewood (national first-class cultural relics, Han Great Wall) 2⃣️Go pieces, which are black and white pebbles polished here, but were tributes at that time. These stones can be picked up on the Gobi Desert in Dunhuang. 3⃣️Bamboo slips, a large number of bamboo slips were unearthed in Dunhuang Xuanquanzhi, recording the stories of the Silk Road more than 2,000 years ago. 4⃣️Painted wall bricks 5⃣️Tang Dynasty flower bricks 6⃣️Northern Liang stone pagoda 7⃣️Tang Dynasty tomb guardian beast (with Western style) 8⃣️Chain mail 9⃣️Mogao Grottoes No. 45 replica cave 🔟Some scriptures in the Sutra Cave (such as the Book of Clouds, etc.) 🌿A general history of Dunhuang, you can learn about the development of Dunhuang. 🍀There are many national first-class cultural relics, highlighting the status of Dunhuang (Shazhou). 🌵The cultural and creative products are more simple and worth buying. 🌳It can be linked to many historical events in Zhangye, Gaotai, and Chang'an, and corroborate each other.

Spring Festival is the perfect time to travel! Take an 8-day tour from Xining to Qinghai Lake and Dunhuang to explore the beautiful scenery of the Northwest. Don't miss it! . 🏃 Itinerary: Day 1: Xining Museum Explore the history and culture of Xining and gain a deeper understanding of the city's heritage. Day 2: Ta'er Monastery Experience the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhism and admire the ancient temple architecture. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake Stroll through the mirror of the sky, enjoy the magnificent salt lake scenery, and then head to Erlangjian Scenic Area to admire the vast beauty of Qinghai Lake. Day 4: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Immerse yourself in the colorful Danxia landform and marvel at the wonders of nature. Day 5: Mati Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area -> Mati Temple Thousand Buddha Caves Experience the unique ecological culture, then visit the ancient Thousand Buddha Caves and feel the weight of history. Day 6: Jiayuguan Pass Visit the majestic Jiayuguan Pass and experience the grandeur of the ancient frontier and the vicissitudes of history. Day 7: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring -> Mogao Caves Ride a camel through the desert, listen to the legend of Crescent Spring, and then visit the World Heritage Site of Mogao Caves to admire the splendor of mural art. Day 8: Dunhuang Museum Gain an in-depth understanding of Dunhuang's history and culture, and conclude this journey on a perfect note. . Some tips: 📸 Photo spots: The sunrises and sunsets at Qinghai Lake and Dunhuang are a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Don't miss them! 🛍️ Specialty prices: Xining's beef jerky and Dunhuang's dried fruits are amazing. Remember to compare prices and choose the best value for money. 🍽️ Food recommendations: Dunhuang's Mogao Liangpi and Xining's Kangguo Lamb are must-tries for foodies! 💡 Tips: The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so sunscreen is a must! The climate is also changeable, so remember to bring enough clothes to stay comfortable. . The charm of Xining, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the mystery of Dunhuang await you. Head west and make the most of your time. Start your journey to the Northwest now!

Winter break is coming! Are you itching to go out and explore? We've put together an 8-day itinerary for Xining, Chaka Salt Lake, and Dunhuang. Let's explore the winter charm of these mysterious places together! -- 🎈Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining—Free time Fly to the beautiful and mysterious Xining, alone or with friends, and explore the city at your own pace. Day 2: Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake The blue lake and the vast salt lake are seamlessly connected, and the beauty of nature will make your heart race. Day 3: Dongtai Jinel Lake—Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park Today, you will dance between the lakes and meditate in front of the Yadan landform. This is nature, this is life. Day 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area Emerald Lake is a miracle of the Northwest. Its beauty is like a poem, like a painting, and you will be reluctant to leave. Day 5: Mogao Caves—Dunhuang Museum—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring History and culture are passed down. Today, we will spend the day in Dunhuang and listen to the songs of the desert. Day 6: Jiayuguan Pass—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park We will stroll through the historical corridor of Jiayuguan and marvel at the wonders of nature in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Day 7: Daban Mountain Observation Deck Standing on the observation deck of Daban Mountain, looking into the distance, you will see your true self. Day 8: Leave Xining We were just full of anticipation, and now we are about to leave Xining. We look forward to meeting you again. -- Some tips: 1️⃣️ Local specialties: Xining has a wide variety of local specialties, such as highland barley wine and Tibetan silver jewelry⛩️. Prices are moderate, but be sure to distinguish between real and fake‼️. 2️⃣️ January weather: Xining is very cold in January❄️, with deep snow. Remember to bring enough warm clothes🧥🧣. 3️⃣️ Food: Hand-pulled beef and noodles are must-try foods in Xining😋, and Dunhuang's butter tea is also worth a try☕️. 4️⃣️ Chaka Salt Lake: Chaka Salt Lake🏞️, the mirror of the sky in Qinghai, is best visited in the early morning or evening for beautiful photos📸. 5️⃣️ Dunhuang: Please note that the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang require real-name registration🆔, and the number of visitors is strictly controlled, so be sure to book in advance📝. -- The journey starts in Xining, passes through Chaka Salt Lake, and ends in Dunhuang. May the scenery along the way become a beautiful picture in your life.🌸🌈

📍Dunhuang Museum 🕰️Opening hours 👉🏻May 1 to September 30: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am–6:30 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm); 👉🏻October 1 to April 30: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). 👉🏻Closed on Mondays. Please check the official Dunhuang Museum website for holiday opening hours. 🎫Tickets: Free, scan the QR code at the entrance to book 🏛️Unique architecture: Designed by renowned architect Cui Kai, the building's exterior combines cultural symbols such as the Great Wall, beacon towers, and ancient castles. Entering the museum is like traveling back in time to the bustling Silk Road era. 🎨 Highlights: 👍🏻Mogao Caves No. 45 replica: A perfect 1:1 replica that lets you experience the murals and painted sculptures of the Tang dynasty up close. It's like being in the real Mogao Caves, admiring the lifelike Buddha statues and exquisite mural details. 👍🏻Extensive collection: The museum houses 13,332 artifacts, including 138 first-class, 387 second-class, and 1,387 third-class artifacts. From the Han to the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dunhuang's history unfolds before your eyes, with each exhibit carrying a rich history and culture. 👍🏻Permanent exhibition: "The City of Cultural Exchange: Dunhuang History and Silk Road Artifacts" takes you through six exhibition halls to explore Dunhuang's important role on the Silk Road and its multicultural fusion. 🛍️ Nearby: Silk Road Souvenirs 📍Location: Next to Dunhuang Museum, convenient for buying souvenirs after your visit. 🧳Featured products: Silk Road Souvenirs is an official Dunhuang Museum cultural brand, with a range of products featuring the Flying Apsaras, Heavenly Musicians, and Nine-colored Deer. You can find a variety of Dunhuang-themed scarves, mouse pads, phone cases, bookmarks, and more. ❤️Design concept: Silk Road Souvenirs combines Dunhuang culture with modern elements in a youthful and rebellious way, bringing traditional Silk Road culture and Dunhuang art back into modern life. 👉🏻You can also get free stamps here! There are 30 beautiful stamps!

7 days in Gansu: Start in Lanzhou, pass through Wuwei, and arrive in Zhangye. The scenery is stunning and the history and culture are rich. You won't want to miss it! -------- 🚩 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Visit Tiantishan Grottoes to appreciate the beauty of Buddhist art, then head to Baita Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of ancient architecture. Day 3: Visit Shandan Royal Horse Farm to experience the grassland culture, then head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to admire the magical colors of nature. Day 4: Visit Jiayuguan Fortress to hear stories of the Great Wall, then climb the Overhanging Great Wall to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Day 5: Visit the Earth Son Sculpture to experience the fusion of art and nature, then head to Yulin Grottoes to explore Buddhist cultural relics, then head to Suoyang City to experience the vicissitudes of history. Day 6: Visit Mogao Caves to appreciate the mural art treasures, then head to Dunhuang Museum to learn about the history and culture, then head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring to experience the miracle of the desert. Day 7: Visit Yumenguan Pass to say goodbye to the ancient Silk Road, then head to Yadan National Geological Park to experience the wonders of nature. -------- **What to Pack**: 🧳 👗 Clothing: The temperature difference between Lanzhou and Zhangye is large, so bring a thick coat and sweater. A windproof and waterproof jacket is practical for dealing with changing weather. 🎒 Accessories: A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection and style. Bring an umbrella for rainy days. Don't forget comfortable sneakers for exploring on foot! 📂 Documents and Finances: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential for safe travel. You'll also need your phone to contact family and take photos. Oh, and don't forget a power bank! -------- Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, and more! You'll make many wonderful memories on this trip! I hope this itinerary helps you have a great time! ✨

Xining–Qinghai Lake 8-Day Tour: Explore the Great Northwest! A super detailed guide to help you enjoy the plateau scenery without detours. Save it now! . 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Xining Museum Explore the history and culture of Xining and admire the museum's collection of exhibits. Day 2: Ta'er Monastery Visit the sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism and feel the solemnity and profound heritage of Ta'er Monastery. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake > Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake Enjoy the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake and then head to the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake to admire the magnificent scenery of the plateau lake. Day 4: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Admire the fantastic colors of Zhangye Danxia and feel the magic of nature. Day 5: Mati Temple Scenic Area > Mati Temple Thousand Buddha Caves Explore the natural beauty of Mati Temple Scenic Area and then visit Mati Temple Thousand Buddha Caves to admire the charm of Buddhist art. Day 6: Jiayuguan Pass Climb Jiayuguan Pass to feel the magnificence of the ancient frontier and the weight of history. Day 7: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring > Mogao Caves Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Moon Spring, and then head to Mogao Caves to explore the treasures of millennia-old Buddhist art. Day 8: Dunhuang Museum Visit Dunhuang Museum to admire the historical and cultural relics and art treasures of Dunhuang and end your pleasant journey. . 🎒 Travel Essentials: Xining–Qinghai Lake Packing List 👕 Clothing: Thick coat, long-sleeved clothes, and long johns to keep warm and stylish. Sunscreen clothing, sun hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. 📿 Accessories: Charger and power bank to keep your phone fully charged. Thermos to enjoy hot water. U-shaped pillow for a good sleep on the road. 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID, and driver's license are essential for travel. Cash and bank cards for emergencies. 💊 Medicine: Motion sickness medicine and cold medicine for emergencies. Lip balm and hand cream to combat the dry climate. . Want to explore Xining and Qinghai Lake? Like and save this guide to start your dream trip! 🚗✨

At present, visiting museums is a popular tourist activity. How can you miss the Dunhuang Museum when you come to Dunhuang? Moreover, visiting the museum first allows you to understand Dunhuang's culture and history in advance, which will be more helpful for your subsequent tour. Location: No. 1390, Mingshan North Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province Opening hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00 all year round, closed all day on Monday (except for legal holidays and special circumstances) Tickets: Free Dunhuang Museum is a comprehensive museum integrating cultural relic protection, research, collection, and exhibition. The museum currently houses 14 categories of cultural relics, including stoneware, pottery, bronze ware, porcelain, silk, Han bamboo slips, and brick carvings. Important collections include the first volume of the Prajnaparamita Sutra with 100,000 praises from the Tang Dynasty, the brick painting of the domestic chicken from the Wei and Jin Dynasties, and the pottery fighting bottle from the 16th year of Jianxing in the Former Liang Dynasty. In the peak season of July and August, there are many tourists in the museum. To better visit and understand, it is recommended to hire a guide.

① The scenery along the way is beautiful, and later we felt there was no need to go to Mingsha Mountain, but Lao Xu was really captivated by the grand concert at Mingsha Mountain. 2 The travel companion was very nice and took many, many photos for us. 3 The Silk Road Heritage City is great for photos. 4 The Roujiamo in Dunhuang is super, super delicious, and the grapes are really substantial! 5 The 21:00 sunset, stepping on the gas pedal, the feeling of racing in the desert is something I will never forget in my life. 6 On the highway in the no-man's land, we saw a service area, and the four of us took a few sets of self-driving photos. The sunset, the desert, and the service area in the desert had a unique flavor. 7 Started a small business at the Dunhuang Museum, and was really impressed. 8 The homestay booked by the travel companion was absolutely amazing, so stylish.

Among the many municipal museums I have visited, the appearance of the Dunhuang Museum should be considered quite modest, with just an ordinary gate. You can visit for free with a reservation, and I must say the treasures on display here are quite impressive. After all, Dunhuang is a very ancient city, and it has an inseparable connection with the ancient Silk Road. Therefore, the Buddhist niches, cave sculptures, and some murals and tomb-guarding creatures unearthed here are definitely worth seeing. Especially a terracotta figurine, its facial expression is simply hilarious, very amusing! You might as well come and see for yourself.

Dunhuang is a cultural heritage shared by humanity, a miracle in the history of world art. Experience the charm of Dunhuang's 'flowing celestial robes and the wind-filled walls' up close, appreciate the stunning colors of Chinese aesthetics, and feel the artistic expression and rhythm of ancient painting, experiencing the beauty of ultimate bliss. The Sui Dynasty saw the most frequent construction of caves at the Mogao Grottoes, typically featuring female figures in Central Plains style. The celestial beings from the Sui Dynasty in Cave 397 are half-naked with dark skin, holding incense burners. Cave 276 features a unique instance of a rebounding Konghou. The niche ceiling of Cave 412 houses 26 Sui Dynasty celestial beings, the most in any Buddhist niche. The caisson of Cave 407 is a classic example of Sui Dynasty caissons and is also famous for the 'Three Hares' design in Dunhuang murals. The Tang Dynasty has the most existing caves. Celestial beings were transformed into palace maids and dancers, with fine brushwork and heavy color application, often depicting secular ambiences. The celestial beings in Cave 321 represent the outstanding early Tang celestial beings, with flowers falling from the sky and heavenly music playing without percussion. During the Five Dynasties period, due to the rise of Tantric Buddhist transformation paintings (with an emphasis on Maitreya and Guanyin beliefs), the number of celestial beings decreased, and the designs became monotonous and lacked innovation. The celestial beings represent enlightened individuals, leading everyone's inner growth and progress with beauty and wisdom. On the third floor of the art space, there is a simulated Tang Dynasty Cave 45, where you can face the celestial beings like a child, seeing a vibrant and joyful self.

【Opening】: Dunhuang murals are an important part of Dunhuang art, including historical scrolls over a thousand years across eleven dynasties, which is a systematic history of Chinese fine arts. Since its establishment, the academy has received great attention and support from the Dunhuang Municipal Committee and the Municipal Government. The academy takes learning, inheriting, and promoting Dunhuang art as its foundation, and it is the earliest and largest professional painting academy in Dunhuang. After nearly 30 years of development, the Dunhuang Painting Academy carries the mission of inheriting, promoting, and innovating, and has gradually evolved from a research institution focusing on the painting techniques of Dunhuang murals to a platform for the inheritance, exchange, and innovation of Dunhuang art and culture in China and East Asia. ⛺【Gameplay Notice】: Copying, painting 🛬【Itinerary】: Dunhuang Museum in the morning, experience mural copying at Dunhuang Painting Academy in the afternoon.

Dunhuang, located in Gansu Province, China, is known worldwide for its rich history, culture, and magnificent natural scenery. It is the intersection of the Silk Road and the location of the Mogao Caves. Here are my travel notes from my trip to Dunhuang, sharing this exotic ancient city with you. 1. Miracle of the World - Mogao Caves The Mogao Caves are one of the most eye-catching attractions in Dunhuang, known as the 'Pearl of Oriental Art'. Inside the Mogao Caves, thousands of caves are carved and painted with colorful Buddhist art. During the tour, you can listen to the guide explain the history and cultural connotation of each cave and feel the charm of ancient art. 2. Desert Wonder - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring The desert scenery of Dunhuang is intoxicating. Mingsha Mountain is a unique pearl in the desert. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the boundless desert sea. At the foot of Mingsha Mountain, there is a mysterious Crescent Spring. The clear spring water is like a new moon embedded in the desert, a magnificent wonder in the desert. 3. Ancient City Wall - Dunhuang Ancient City Dunhuang Ancient City is an ancient city with a long history. The city wall is thick and the city gate is magnificent. Walking in the ancient city, it seems to be able to travel through time and feel the hustle and bustle of the ancient Silk Road. At night, the city wall is brightly lit, with a different flavor. 4. Cultural Journey - Dunhuang Museum The Dunhuang Museum is an excellent place to understand the history and culture of Dunhuang. The museum houses a large number of cultural relics and artworks, showing the brilliant history of the Silk Road and the unique culture of the Dunhuang region. 5. Local Cuisine - Taste Dunhuang Delicacies In Dunhuang, you can not only appreciate the beauty of culture but also taste local cuisine. Try the local lamb skewers, noodles, and butter tea, to satisfy your taste buds during the journey. 6. Travel Tips - It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the Mogao Caves, to avoid the crowd during peak hours. - Since Dunhuang is located in the desert, the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to bring sun protection and warm clothing. - When visiting the Mogao Caves, keep quiet to protect the cultural relics in the caves. Dunhuang has a long history, rich culture, and unique natural landscape. I hope you can have an extraordinary travel experience on this ancient land and leave your own story.

Getting There -  Attractions - Dunhuang Museum Hotels -  Food & Restaurants -  Shopping -  #summervacation

The best place to learn about a city is the museum - the Dunhuang Museum Dunhuang Museum has a very special appearance, the khaki-based building, looks like the walls of the Great Wall and the beacon tower. Entering the interior of the museum seems to be a group of grottoes. The walls and corridors inside are all in the form of ancient cave corridors. The exhibits displayed in the museum are still not so rich compared to the Gansu Provincial Museum. Since they can't do the breadth, they have to be deep, so they mainly focus on the Silk Road and the Mogao Grottoes.

Dunhuang Museum! Everywhere in the city, the local museum is the place I must go. This is especially true in Dunhuang. If there is still a place in China that can preserve the civilization that has never been interrupted, and where can we integrate the travellers who are going east and west, where can we leave such a splendid civilization, where can the people in the past leave in the heart? Unforgettable affection, that is Dunhuang! So, if you want to better understand Dunhuang, better travel to Dunhuang. Be sure to go to the Dunhuang Museum first. The museum is divided into three parts of the theme exhibition. The first part mainly displays the documents of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in the caves. The second part focuses on the excavations of stone tombs, stone towers and pottery boxes. Tao Ding, Zhen Tomb Beast, Lotus Brick, Kirin Brick and other cultural relics. The third part of the exhibition area mainly focuses on the theme of the Silk Road, exhibiting silk brocade, enamel, yarn, Luo and other physical tools and weapons.

Visit the Dunhuang Museum, don't miss the treasures of several town halls: Han Jian, Wei Jin Tong Gui, Bei Liang Shi Ta, Tang Dynasty Go, Five-generation Dragon Brick, Phoenix Brick. Even the replicas of cultural relics and restoration models of the sites are very precious: 45 kiln in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang tombs in the Tang Dynasty, and embroidered in the Jingjing Caves. These replicas and models are rare, because you cant take them. .