Best ways to experience the Mogao Grottoes on Dunhuang Tour

Book Tickets in Advance:
The Mogao Grottoes implement an online real-name booking system. It’s advisable to purchase tickets at least 30 days in advance, especially during peak seasons when only a limited number of tickets are available each day.

Visit the Digital Exhibition Center:
Start your visit at the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center, where you can watch informative films about the grottoes. This center is the only entrance to the caves and provides shuttle bus service to the grottoes themselves.

Take a Guided Tour:
Joining a guided tour can enhance your experience. Guides provide detailed explanations about the history, cultural significance, and preservation efforts of the site, making the visit more enriching.

Explore Key Caves:
While there are numerous caves to explore, some notable ones include Cave 17 (famous for its Thousand Buddha mural), Cave 98 (well-preserved Tang dynasty frescoes), and Cave 20 (impressive statue of the Thousand-Buddha Maitreya).

Plan for a Full Day:
Allocate at least 3-5 hours to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of the grottoes. This allows time for both the exhibition center and the caves themselves.

Respect Photography Rules:
Note that photography is not allowed inside the caves to protect the artwork. However, you can take photos outside the grottoes

To protect the caves and control visitor impact on preservation of the murals, the Mogao Grottoes strictly limits the number and selection of caves that can be visited on each tour. Seeing more caves requires booking a special tour or visiting during the off-season.

During peak season (April to November), visitors are typically shown 8 caves on a standard tour.

In the off-season (December to March), the number of caves visited increases to 12.

Visitors are not allowed to freely explore the caves on their own. They must join a guided tour group, with each guide having a set of keys to access a limited number of caves.

The specific caves open to visitors change daily to help preserve the fragile environment inside.

In addition to the standard tour, special tours like night tours and photography tours may allow access to additional caves, but at a higher cost.

The daily visitor limit for the Mogao Caves is 6,000. To ensure a spot, it is recommended to make a reservation at least 7 days in advance. During peak seasons, only a limited number of tickets are available, so early booking is essential to secure your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The best ways to access Dunhuang are by air or train:

By Air
Dunhuang Airport (DNH) is approximately 14 km from downtown Dunhuang.
There are direct flights from major cities including Lanzhou (about 2 hours) and Xi’an (approximately 2.5 hours). Seasonal flights also connect Dunhuang to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

By Train
Dunhuang Railway Station is about 12 km from the city center and connects to cities like Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, and Xi’an.
Liuyuan Railway Station, located 128 km away, operates trains to larger cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Urumqi. From Liuyuan, you can take a shuttle bus to Dunhuang.

The best times to visit Dunhuang are from May to October, with particularly favorable conditions in September and October. During these months, the weather is comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the area’s attractions, including the Mogao Grottoes and the Echoing Sand Dunes.

Seasonal Breakdown:
Spring (March to May):
Mid-April to early May is pleasant, but be cautious of potential sandstorms in March and April. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Summer (June to August):
The hottest months, with temperatures averaging 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Mid-July to early August is particularly popular, but be prepared for strong sunlight.

Autumn (September to November):
Mid-September to early November offers mild temperatures (10°C to 20°C or 50°F to 68°F) and beautiful autumn foliage, making it another excellent time to visit.

Winter (December to February):
Cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -9°C to 10°C (15°F to 50°F). While winter can be less crowded and more affordable, it’s not ideal for outdoor activities.

Overall, late spring and early autumn provide the most comfortable weather for sightseeing in Dunhuang.

Dunhuang’s local cuisine is a delightful reflection of its cultural heritage and geographical location along the Silk Road. Here are some of the key dishes and food items you should try when visiting:

Dunhuang Yellow Noodles (敦煌黄面)
These handmade noodles are thin and chewy, often served in a broth or with toppings such as minced pork or donkey meat. They are a staple in Dunhuang and have a long history, as depicted in the Mogao murals.

Dunhuang Niang Pi Zi (酿皮子)
A popular fast food made from steamed wheat flour, cut into thin strips, and served with a mix of oil, mustard, garlic, and vinegar. It’s a refreshing dish, especially enjoyed in the summer.

Mutton Soup (羊肉汤)
This hearty soup is made with tender mutton and is a favorite among locals. It’s often enjoyed with noodles or rice and is particularly comforting during colder months.

Saozi Noodles (搓子面)
These hand-pulled noodles are typically served in a rich meat broth with vegetables. Saozi noodles are known for their unique texture and flavor.

Deep-Fried Pancakes (油饼)
A traditional snack made from dough filled with sugar, sesame seeds, and walnuts, then deep-fried until golden. They are crispy and sweet.

Apricot Peel Water (杏皮水)
A popular local drink made from boiled dried apricots, offering a sweet and sour flavor. It’s refreshing and widely available throughout Dunhuang.

Shazhou Night Market
This vibrant market is the best place to sample a variety of local foods, including skewers, dumplings, and various noodle dishes. It’s an excellent spot for experiencing Dunhuang’s culinary scene.

Grilled Mutton Skewers (羊肉串)
These flavorful skewers are marinated and grilled, making them a popular street food choice, especially in night markets.
Dunhuang’s cuisine is characterized by its use of wheat, mutton, and spices, making it a unique culinary destination worth exploring.