Top 10 Best Things to Do in Dunhuang: Camels Riding, Camping, Hiking...

Dunhuang, the dazzling pearl in the desert, is an exceptional place to explore ancient Chinese culture and art. On your journey to Dunhuang, you'll immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of the Mogao Caves. The following is the best things to do in Dunhuang.

Top 1: Ride a Camel in Dunhuang

Gansu's Dunhuang is a city rich in history and culture, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Mogao Caves, the Jade Gate, and the Yangguan Pass, drawing countless visitors, among which, one of the most awe-inspiring aspects is the camel culture along the Silk Road. In the vast deserts, camels, known as the "ships of the desert", have thrived for thousands of years thanks to their endurance and adaptability. At Mingsha Mountain, you can ride a camel and immerse yourself in the desert's vastness and mystery.

In the expansive sands, the camel train appear like dragons weaving through the dunes, their bells echoing the sounds of the ancient Silk Road. Merchants led their caravans through all the hardships, disseminating Western culture with China and spreading Chinese culture to the world. As you ride through the desert, the dunes shift colors under the sun, while resilient desert plants thrive in this arid land, showcasing the wonders of life.

In the distance, the sound of camel bells fills the air as groups of camels carry tourists deeper into the desert. Riders experience the endlessness of the sand while admiring the breathtaking scenery along the way. The vastness of the desert, the resilience of the caravans, and the glow of the setting sun create captivating scenes that linger in memory.

Top 2: Watch the Sunset at Mingsha Mountain

Surrounded by the whispering sands of the desert, lies a patch of emerald green that seems to have fallen from the heavens, shaped like a crescent moon, clear as a mirror and bright as an eye, that is Crescent Spring. To find such a lush green spot in the middle of a desert is a wonder in itself, but Crescent Spring at sunset is a truly unique gift of the desert.

Walking along the log ladder up Mingsha Mountain, you can sit quietly at the peak, gazing at the picturesque Crescent Spring below, with its pavilions and towers perfectly mirrored in the water, waiting for the sun to set. Gradually, the golden rays of the setting sun bathe the desert, turning each grain of sand into sparkling "gold", transforming Mingsha Mountain into a boundless sheet of gold leaf, shinning. Overlooking the Crescent Spring at this moment, it is like a drop of nectar from the remoted heaven.

The last rays of the setting sun lose the brilliance of noon, their softened glow allowing you to gaze directly at the crimson orb as its diffused light writing its last tenacious. As the sun disappears, the sands darken beneath your feet. Only a few streaks of color remain in the western sky. The calm waters of Crescent Spring reflect the night sky, while the silhouette of the pavilion is gently illuminated by a few soft lights, finally embellishing this quiet picture.

Top 3: Climb the Cantilever Great Wall

The Cantilever Great Wall, located in Jiayuguan City, is just 8 kilometers from the Jiayu Pass City. It serves as the northern extension of Jiayu Pass and was a critical component of the ancient military defense system.

From a distance, Cantilever Great Wall looks like a mighty yellow dragon crawling up the ridge, standing proudly on steep cliffs. Amid the vast Gobi Desert and the distant Heishan Mountains, the Great Wall clings precariously to the peaks. Many sections of the wall hang from the cliffs, making the climb a demanding physical challenge. As the steep stone steps stretch out before you, the temptation to retreat grows stronger with every step.

Upon reaching the top, standing atop the wall, you are greeted with a spectacular view beyond the pass. The endless sands, the desolate wilderness, and the sparse patches of greenery in the Gobi stretch out as if the scenes of warfare centuries ago unfold before your eyes. At this moment, you can feel the unyielding spirit of the Cantilever Great Wall, that though time has worn away its flesh, the bones of this ancient structure still standing guard over the Central Plains. Even in this era of peace, the Great Wall continues to recount the grandeur and struggles of days long past through its towering presence.

Top 4: Camp in the Desert

In the evening, Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang comes alive with sparkling lights and lively music. Visitors climb, slide down the dunes, and ride ORVs through the sandy expanse, enjoying every moment. The Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Desert Camping Base is located on the mountain's rear slopes, a perfect escape from the bustling city. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vast desert, let go of your worries, and experience the thrill of speeding on a motorcycle. Under the night sky, you can dance joyfully at a bonfire party, and indulge in a lavish buffet hot pot.

When the night fully envelops the earth, Dunhuang's night sky transforms into the most dazzling canvas. Far from the noise and light pollution of the city, the stars appear exceptionally clear and profound here. The Milky Way stretches across the sky, with stars scattered like diamonds on a black velvet canvas, twinkling with enchanting light. Beneath this starry expanse, whether sitting quietly alone or sharing the moment with a few friends, you feel a deep sense of tranquility.

Top 5: View See Dunhuang Again

Seeing Dunhuang Again is an immersive performance project and a large-scale outdoor theatrical event, becoming Dunhuang's next international tourism highlight, following the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, and Crescent Spring.

If you visit Dunhuang, it is recommended to start with See Dunhuang Again before heading to the Mogao Caves. The immersive theater experience allows you to walk through the narratives, feeling the history come alive. As characters from Dunhuang's past walk towards you—some softly, some with strong voices answering "Here"—, sharing their stories of love and dedication, you might find yourself with hands clasped in prayer, tears streaming down your face, as you accompany them through a millennium.

After experiencing a thousand years of history in Seeing Dunhuang Again, then as you close to the Mogao Caves, appreciating the figures and stories depicted in the fading murals, you will truly grasp the fullness of Dunhuang's rich history, embracing the cultural baptism and spiritual cleansing that this experience offers.

Top 6: Copy the Murals of Mogao Caves

Dunhuang art is resplendent and its mural art is a magnificent spectacle, holding an extremely important position in the history of Chinese painting. It blends various ancient elements, embodying the cultural connotations and artistic heritage of the ancient Silk Road, making it a unique gem in both Chinese and world art history. At the Ming Shan Museum of Art Dunhuang, you can personally copy the murals and experience the transmission of ancient culture and techniques.

In the courses offered, you can learn about Dunhuang's historical culture and explore the relationship between the pigments used in ancient murals and the changes throughout history. You can choose to sketch or paint on drawing block, or paint it on plaster panel. Sketching on the uneven plaster panel tests your attention to detail and patience. If time is limited, it's wise to heed the teacher's advice and choose simpler designs.

The plaster panel serves as a unique medium to capture millennia of culture in this small space, that requires a calm heart to appreciate the brilliance of Dunhuang's culture. By painting your own plaster panel with the most beautiful mural colors, you will gain a personal understanding. Art aficionados or art students may not want to miss this opportunity.

Top 7: Hike among Yardang Landform

The Yardang landform, shaped by long-term wind erosion, features a landscape of parallel ridges and troughs. When strong winds blow, the Dunhuang Yardang emits various eerie sounds, earning it the nickname "Dunhuang Yardang Devil City". This place stands in remarkable formations—some towering proudly, others imposing in their stature. Such scenes are rare in the world, and only by visiting can one truly appreciate their beauty.

In the past, the vastness of the Gobi Desert and treacherous roads kept this area largely untouched, making it a place of legends rather than direct experience for the local people. However, with the road construction connecting the Yumen Pass and Yardang Devil City, this geographical wonder has become more accessible.

If you are fortunate enough to visit, consider hiking through this captivating landscape. With the wind howling, the psychedelic scenery envelops you, as if transporting you to a prehistoric world with thronged thoughts. Walking among these formations feels like stepping into a natural art museum, with each piece crafted by nature's hand, breathtaking.

Top 8: Stroll in Shazhou Night Market

Dunhuang, the desert city in northwestern China, basks under the scorching sun by day, but at night it transforms into a place of unique charm, especially the bustling Shazhou night market where people linger on. With both locals and tourists alike, it is not only filled with a plethora of delicious foods and a distinctive cultural atmosphere, but it also embodies the city’s rich history and heritage.

As soon as you enter the Dunhuang night market, you are greeted by a dazzling array of lights. The stalls line the streets endlessly, with a cacophony of vendors calling out. Under the lights food gleam enticingly, making it hard to look away. Strolling along the bustling pathways, you're irresistibly drawn to the various street foods: grilled lamb skewers, fried sauce noodles, beef patty with allium mongolicum, each dish is a mouthwatering delight. Along with food, the market also features an array of handicrafts, antiques, and local specialties, such exquisite paper-cuttings, unique pottery, and stunning ethnic garments, each piece a testament to the skill and dedication of local artisans.

Top 9: Enjoy the Desert Snow in Winter

When talking about Dunhuang, most people immediately think of the Mogao Caves, with their intricate stone carvings, murals, and sculptures, along with the enchanting Crescent Spring that never dries up in the desert. However, few have witnessed the beauty of Dunhuang covered in snow. The city, already stunning in its own right, takes on a new, serene elegance when adorned with white snow. The golden sand dunes are cloaked in a shimmering layer, blending seamlessly with the sky. On Mingsha Mountain, the endless sea of sand, now glistening with snow, resembles a picturesque scene from a poem, captivating visitors who ride camels through the snowy landscape to take in the views.

The Mogao Caves appear even more sacred under the blanket of snow, with the towering structures shrouded in white, giving the impression that time has stood still while they remain resplendent. Crescent Spring, covered in snow, outlines dark ink-like patterns, exuding tranquility and ancient charm. Camel caravans traversing the snow-dusted Mingsha Mountain add an ink-like touch to this timeless landscape.

Top 10: Experience Han Chinese Clothing

In the ancient city of Dunhuang, it’s not just the breathtaking scenery that captivates the heart, but also the beauty of Dunhuang's attire. Many visitors, in addition to horseback riding and archery, are pleasantly surprised by the traditional costume experience centers. Dressed in Hanfu or Western Region attire, you can stroll along the spacious avenues lined with various shops, teahouses, and restaurants, feeling as if you’ve stepped back into a prosperous era. Don’t forget to capture that unique beauty with your phone.

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