My summer trip to Dunhuang has concluded, and I sincerely recommend sisters visit during the off-season from July to September!!!

If you yearn for a journey that dialogues with history and embraces nature, then Dunhuang is undoubtedly the perfect choice. This pearl on the Silk Road carries millennia of civilization and stories, waiting for every traveler to explore. Trip Highlights Three Must-Do Experiences 1. Pilgrimage to the Mogao Caves: A Dialogue with Millennia-Old Civilization Mogao Caves tickets come in different types. I strongly recommend booking the "Class A Ticket" (¥238) in advance on the official website, which grants access to 8 classic caves and includes two highly educational digital films. For a deeper experience, consider purchasing tickets for special caves (¥150-200 each) on-site—Cave 45 from the High Tang period is a standout. Enter Cave 328, kneel before the Buddha statue, and gaze up at the exquisite lotus caisson ceiling. When the guide's flashlight illuminates the weathered murals, you might feel the breeze from the Northern Wei Dynasty whispering past. After the tour, don’t rush off—visit the Dunhuang Grottoes Conservation Center, where 1:1 replica caves allow you to zoom in on mural details with your phone for a uniquely awe-inspiring experience. 2. Camel Ride to Witness the Desert Sunset At 6 PM, enter Mingsha Mountain (¥110, ticket valid for 3 days) and pick a white camel—your perfect photo companion. Climb to the dune’s peak and wait quietly until 8 PM when the lights turn on, transforming Crescent Moon Spring into a blue teardrop nestled in the desert. Secretly fill a bottle with Mingsha Mountain’s five-colored sand—legend says it brings good luck in love. Pro tip: Wear thick-soled shoes, or the scorching sand will make you miserable. 3. Walk the Ancient Paths: Yang Pass and Jade Gate Pass At Yang Pass, pay ¥10 to have the gatekeeper write you a "border pass" document, then toast with a bowl of "Yang Pass wine" (actually sweet honey water). In that moment, you’ll feel transported to ancient times, with heroic frontier melodies playing in your ears. At Jade Gate Pass, stand before the desolate ruins in a black gown, holding a lantern for a melancholic "Why should the Qiang flute complain of willow trees?" photo. The howling wind seems to echo with the clashing weapons of ancient battles. New Attraction Recommendations - Yulin Grottoes: Located about 170 km from Dunhuang, this lesser-visited site boasts exceptionally well-preserved murals. Cave 25’s Tang Dynasty murals are artistically priceless—a must for in-depth travelers. - Dunhuang Museum: Free admission, housing extensive historical artifacts. Its rich exhibits and multimedia displays offer a comprehensive understanding of Dunhuang’s history and culture. Food Guide Breakfast Start your day at "Xiajia Mixed Soup" for lamb noodle soup (¥20). Tear bread into chunks, soak it in the fragrant broth, and pair it with zesty pickles—a hearty meal that warms you from stomach to soul. Lunch Try Dunhuang’s signature donkey meat with yellow noodles at "Shun Zhang Yellow Noodle Restaurant." Chewy noodles coated in rich sauce, tender donkey meat dipped in garlic-vinegar sauce—¥35 per person for total satisfaction. Dinner As night falls, head to the lively "Danghe Scenic Line Night Market." Savor aromatic roasted lamb trotters, crispy-sweet bubble oil cakes, and refreshing Li Guang apricot skin water. Pair these with skewers and fried elm seeds for a full Dunhuang feast. Photography Tips - Mogao Caves: Frame the Nine-Story Pagoda through the archway gate. Shoot in afternoon light with flying apsaras’ scarves fluttering for magazine-worthy shots. - Mingsha Mountain: Stride in bright red Hanfu against golden dunes, using a wide-angle lens to place yourself along the ridge for dramatic contrast. - Yadan Devil City: At dusk, pose among the "West Sea Fleet" rock formations in cowboy boots and flares for a wild west vibe. Filter Recommendation: Use the XiuTu app, layering "Palm" and "Walnut" filters with +20 grain for National Geographic-worthy texture. Practical Tips - Transport: Fly directly to Dunhuang or take a high-speed rail from Lanzhou. Taxis start at ¥5 in the city. - Sun Protection: With extreme UV, use SPF 50+, plus face masks, gloves, and sunglasses. - Hydration: Drink at least 2L daily and use face masks at night to combat dryness. - Avoid: Skip impractical sand sledges. Haggle for camel scarves at night markets—¥15 is fair. Dunhuang is a millennia-spanning dream, a legend etched in windblown sands. Here, every grain whispers stories, every relic cradles history. Embark on your Dunhuang adventure now!