- Travel Guide
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Beijing 
Xi'an 
Zhangjiajie 
China Silk Road 
Shanghai
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Dunhuang, a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, is filled with rich history and culture. Every grain of sand here tells a story, and every breeze carries echoes of the past. The 3-day Dunhuang Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through this historic city. Explore hidden caves, remote passes, and vast desert landscapes that have shaped Dunhuang’s legacy. Visit the famous Mogao Grottoes, home to incredible Buddhist art and murals. You’ll also witness the beauty of the Gobi Desert，the unique Yardang landforms, and the enchanting Crescent Lake. The tour highlights the enchanting Crescent Moon Spring, a stunning oasis surrounded by sand dunes.
With a private guide and driver, you’ll travel at a relaxed pace, fully immersing yourself in the region’s history and natural wonders. Learn about Dunhuang’s role in the Silk Road trade and its cultural significance. This tour is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Dunhuang and its incredible heritage. Book your Dunhuang Tour today and experience one of China’s most captivating destinations.
- Round way private transfer
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets for all historical & cultural attractions as listed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations in each destionation based on twin-sharing basis
- Meals as specified in the itinerary ( B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Bottled drinking water and wet tissue
Included
- China visas and international flights entry & exit of China
- Hotel single room supplement in Dunhuang
- Tipping for guide and driver
- Other expenses if not listed in the itinerary
Excluded
Highlights of the Tour
- Experience the rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Gobi Desert, where each mile unveils ancient relics, unique geological formations, and the raw beauty of remote wilderness.
- Explore the ancient military fortifications and trade routes at Yumen Pass and marvel at the remnants of the Han Dynasty's Great Wall, offering a glimpse into the strategic and historical significance of the Silk Road.
- Discover the surreal and otherworldly landscape of Yardang National Geopark, characterized by its dramatic Yardang landforms sculpted by wind erosion, resembling exotic shapes such as Mongolian yurts and stone birds.
- Explore the Mogao Caves, known as the "Treasure House of Buddhist Arts," renowned for their exquisite mural paintings and statues spanning 1,600 years of Chinese art history, offering a glimpse into ancient Buddhist art and culture along the Silk Road.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Dunhuang, the shining gem of the Gobi Desert. Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, our guide will greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this exotic city at your leisure. You may wish to visit the vibrant Shazhou Night Market, where you can leisurely stroll, sample local cuisine, unwind in a bar, or browse for unique handicrafts.
- Stay in Dunhuang
- After breakfast, embark on a 100 km drive into the remote Gobi Desert, visiting historical sites along the Silk Road. Start at Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass), an ancient defensive and trade route. Explore the Ruins of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, built to deter invaders. Continue 80 km to Yardang National Geologic Park, known as Devil City for its eerie wind sounds and unique rock formations like Mongolian Yurts and Stone Birds, resembling famous landmarks.
- Return to Dunhuang via Yardang National Geologic Park, stopping at the Echoing Sand Mountains (Mingshashan). These dunes create natural echoes on sunny days, offering a unique acoustic experience. Slide down the dunes to hear the echoing effect. End the day at Crescent Lake, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the Echoing Sand Mountains. Enjoy the lake's crescent shape, surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture, trees, and flowers, providing a serene setting reminiscent of a crescent moon.
- Visit the Yumen Fortification Remains
- Explore the Han Dynasty Great Wall
- Discover the YarDan National Geological Park
- Stay in Dunhuang, B, L
After breakfast, drive 10 km to the newly opened Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center in Dunhuang. Watch informative documentaries on the history and art of the grottoes before taking a shuttle bus to the site itself. Known as the "Louvre of the East," Mogao Grottoes features 492 caves with 45,000 sqm of murals and 2,100 colorful statues spanning 1,600 years of Chinese art history. You'll explore around 7-8 of the approximately 40 caves open to the public, guided by experts. Additional special caves can be visited at an extra cost. Afterward, enjoy free time to depart for your next destination by flight or train, concluding your Dunhuang Silk Road tour.
- Visit the Mogao Grottoes
- Departure, B
Frequently Asked & Question
Dunhuang, once an important trading hub on the Silk Road, is situated in remote northwestern China, is accessible via domestic flights from cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Xining. Alternatively, high-speed trains connect Dunhuang with Jiayuguan (1.5 hours), Zhangye (4.5 hours), Lanzhou (8.5 hours), and Xining (6.5-7 hours), providing convenient transportation options to this historical city.
There are approximately 40 common caves open to the public at the Mogao Grottoes. Visitors are grouped by different museum tour guides, with typically 7-8 caves accessible from April to November and 12 caves from December to March.
During the peak seasons (May to October), it's advisable to make reservations at least 7 days in advance to visit the Mogao Caves, due to high visitor numbers. Special Caves, which are not included in the regular tour, can be arranged for individual visitors or small groups upon reservation through our travel consultants or tour guide, with an additional admission fee required for each cave. Please note that photography inside the grottoes is strictly prohibited.
Dunhuang experiences a desert climate, characterized by arid conditions with very little rainfall throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making them more comfortable times to visit.
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