Dunhuang Travel

Dunhuang Travel
The national, historical city of Dunhuang is a renowned tourist city famous for the Mogao Caves. It is situated in the common boundary of Gansu Province, Qinghai Province and Xinjiang Province. Dunhuang, long ago referred to as ‘Sha Zhou’ (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. The city landmark is an attractive statue, the idea of which comes from the mural in Mogao Caves, a shrine to the culture and arts of Dunhuang. From Mt.Qilian in the south, Mt. Mazong in the north and desert from east to west, the landform of Dunhuang City is a declining basin-plain from west to northeast, high in the north and south, and low in the middle. The western cities of China, especially those in the desert, are known for their sandstorms, so tourists should protect themselves with glasses, hats and gauze kerchiefs, etc.
Public Transportation

Taxi

It is very convenient and easy for tourists to find taxis in Dunhuang. There are many taxis driving around the city, or parked at the airport, bus station, hotels, and historic sights. The flag rates are range from CNY 5 to 10 according to the different taxi types. Beyond the first 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles), the fare is about CNY 1 for mini taxies and CNY 1.2 for a sedan.

Bus

Buses in Dunhuang City are mostly of a medium size running along fixed routes in the downtown area and operate between the hours of 7:00 and 22:00. There are three bus routes from Dunhuang City into the countryside heading in three different directions. With departures every 15 minutes costing CNY 1, bus No. 3 will take you to Echoing-Sand Mountain

Jinrikisha

Such vehicles run through the streets and lanes making your trip flexible and convenient. Generally, CNY 1 per kilometer (about 0.6 miles).

Bicycle rental

On Mingshan Road, there are several rental services. The fee can be negotiated, generally CNY 1 per hour.

Where to go

Yangguan Pass : Yangguan Pass was originally built by the Emperor Wu during the Han Dynasty and was one of the two most important passes (the other is Yumen Pass) that served to protect Dunhuang from invasion from the west.

Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass) : The Jade Gate Pass, situated 75 km northwest of Dunhuang, was a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road.

Crescent Moon Spring and the Echoing Sand Dune : Crescent Moon Spring, an oasis in the Gobi Desert, lies 6 km south of Dunhuang and is located between two large sand dunes that make up the famous Echoing Sand Dune.

The Mogao Grottos, also known as “The Thousand Buddha Cave”, are noted as one of the most important cultural and historical sites in China, especially for the Buddhist art treasures that can be found inside.

The Pagoda is located within a small village called Baima Village, (White Horse Village) about two kilometers away from Dunhuang.

shopping

Dunhuang City is a favorite tourist city in China, but it is not a modern city and it may be a little difficult to find large, luxurious department stores or supermarkets there. In spite of this, tourists will find handcrafts, gifts, and souvenirs readily available in Dunhuang City. Called ‘Gua (melon) Zhou’ in ancient times, meaning the hometown of fruits, Dunhuang City is teeming with many kinds of fragrant sweet fruits.

Handcrafted carpet, painted sculpture, craftworks of camels, luminous cups, calligraphy, painting, and Dunhuang wax printing are the most famous local specialties. The “luminous cup,” also known as Yangguan jade cup, is a rare drinking vessel that glows in the dark, hence the name. The cup is made of the fine jade quarried from Mt. Qilian containing abundant minerals and using the cup to drink is reputedly good for one’s health. Camels were the most important animal for transportation on the ancient Silk Road and were called the “pride of the desert.” It is venerated for its grittiness and hardworking nature and is the mascot of the China Art Festival.
What to eat
A staple of the Dunhuang diet is wheat flour noodles served with lamb, chicken, or beef. Dunhuang Rang Pizi has also long been one of the most popular dishes in the city. These noodles are made from pea flour and are clear, white, cool and slippery. Seasoned with hot peppers for a cool, yet spicy taste, the dish is just perfect for desert weather. There are three famous specialties of Dunhuang: the Rangpi Yellow Noodles, the Saozi Noodle, and the Mianpi of Tianshui.
Where to stay
Grand Sun Hotel Dunhuang,a newly-built12-storey building adjoining the former 2 buildings,is prominently located right 100 metre in the morth of the heart of Dunhuang , a well-known city of strategic importance on the ancient silk Road.The airconditioned 4-star level hotel was beautifully designed,painstakingly constructed and magnificently decorated with modem facilities in Dunhuang, a local landmark of hotel.