Name: Dunhuang

Chinese Name: 敦煌市

Province: Gansu

Status: City District

Population: 186,027 inhabitants

Area: 26,960 km²

Located at the edge of Gansu Province between mountains and deserts, Dunhuang is an unmissable destination on the Silk Road.

History

In ancient times, Dunhuang served as the center of commerce between China and its western neighbors. During that era, the city functioned as China's westernmost military garrison frontier.

With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, Dunhuang became the most open zone for international commerce in China's history during the Han and Tang dynasties. It was indeed the only passage between China and the West.

In 353, the first Buddhist caves were carved and decorated with paintings to bring good fortune to travelers.

Following the death of Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire, his son seized control of the region.

Today

Dunhuang is an oasis city situated in a desert landscape of the Silk Road. This charming town offers visitors spectacular scenery between sand dunes and lush cultivated fields.

The unique and striking beauty of its surroundings will not disappoint you during your stopover in Dunhuang. Like an oasis in the heart of the desert, the city stands ready to offer you a wonderful base from which to discover the magnificent Buddhist art of the Mogao Caves.

For the more adventurous, it takes only a few kilometers to sense the magic of nature and believe in mirages. At the foot of the immense Mingsha Dunes, a small crescent-shaped body of water surrounded by poplars survives against all odds. From the top of the dune, the view is breathtaking over the undulating desert and the small oasis. Camel rides, sand dune "surfing," and paragliding are available here. Venturing slightly off the beaten path, you can enjoy the grandeur that unfolds before you in solitude.

Climate

Dunhuang experiences a dry and cold desert climate for virtually the entire year. The only precipitation occurs during summer but evaporates rapidly. The average annual temperature does not exceed 10°C.

Winters are long and cold with an average temperature of −8.3°C in January.

Summers are warm with an average of 24.6°C in July.

As night falls, temperatures can drop sharply, but the clear skies then reveal a spectacular starry view.

Getting There

By Plane

Dunhuang Airport, located approximately 13 kilometers east of the city, offers flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Lanzhou, Xi'an, and Urumqi.

By Train

There are two railway stations that connect Dunhuang to cities such as Lanzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Urumqi, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Hankou, and more.

By Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance buses depart from cities within the province and neighboring provinces such as Lanzhou, Xining, Zhangye, Urumqi, Delhi, Golmud, Yumen, Wuwei, Tongwei, Hami, and Turpan.

Dunhuang's city center is not very large, with only four buses serving the city.

Taxis are very convenient and can take you to the sites to visit or to the station.

The city also has its share of tuk-tuks, which can make your visit more enjoyable and especially more flexible.

Some shops offer bicycle rentals, allowing you to explore the city's streets at your own pace.

What to Do in Dunhuang?

• Search for the treasures of Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves.
• Listen to the singing sand and climb the Mingsha Dunes to admire the view of the Crescent Moon Lake.
• Visit the White Horse Pagoda, which commemorates the death of the horse of the Koutcha monk Kumarajiva.
• Discover all of Dunhuang's attractions!