The notebook of Dunhuang
Take the time to reach the view.
Oasis of the Silk Road surrounded by dunes, Buddhist caves and remains at the gates of the Gobi Desert.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
City · Desert · Heritage
Good accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Dunhuang
Oasis of the Silk Road surrounded by dunes, Buddhist caves and remains at the gates of the Gobi Desert.
Mogao Caves, Songing Dunes and Crescent Lake and Yumen Passes give the most telling landmarks of Dunhuang. Together, they form a destination where urban life, desert areas and heritage meet, with atmospheres that change over the stages rather than a single uniform decor.
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For a stay of 2 to 5 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: variable influx depending on the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect different sectors. The main sites are generally easy to access.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Mogao Caves
- Songing Dunes and Crescent Lake
- Passe de Yumen
Before you choose
- Variable frequency depending on season
- Parking to anticipate in the center
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Cave
Grottes de Mogao
Mogao preserves hundreds of caves painted and carved on nearly a millennium along a cliff of the desert. Compulsory reservation, guided groups and rotation of cavities protect the works while limiting the choice of rooms.
Nature and panorama
Dunes chantantes et lac du Croissant
The Lake of Crescent occupies a depression at the foot of huge sand dunes immediately south of Dunhuang. The site is very arranged; walking sooner or later reduces heat, crowds and light too hard.
Nature and panorama
Passe de Yumen
The Yumen Pass preserves a tower of land and segments of Han fortifications on the old western road. The desert landscape and distance give the site its full strength, accessible by a long road trip.
Nature and panorama
Passe de Yangguan
Yangguan controlled with Yumen the roads leaving the Han Empire towards the oasis of Central Asia. Museum, reconstructed tower and remains of earth are discovered in a landscape of gravel and dunes very exposed.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Escaped to discover
Dachaidan et lacs du Qaidam
Qinghai, 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China
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