National Day Dunhuang Mogao Caves 3 Days 2 Nights Silk Road Tour for 3000 RMB
Want to feel the breath of millennium-old murals? This National Day, fly to Dunhuang, Gansu, and step into the desert’s artistic sanctuary—the Mogao Caves! Camel bells, murals, sea of sand, starry sky—this is China’s most poetic distant land. With a 3-day 2-night itinerary and a budget of 3000 RMB per person, we’ll take you through the thousand-year Silk Road and back to the glorious Tang Dynasty.
📍Day 1: Arrive in Dunhuang + Sunset at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake
It’s recommended to take an early flight to [Dunhuang Airport] (book discounted tickets in advance, round trip about 1500 RMB). Take a taxi to the city hotel (about 30 RMB), stay in a clean and comfortable chain or boutique inn, two nights around 600 RMB.
In the afternoon, head straight to [Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake] (ticket 110 RMB, open all day) —
✅ Ride a camel across the dunes, with camel bells jingling, as if retracing the Silk Road caravan
✅ Climb Mingsha Mountain to watch the sunset, where golden sand seas meet the oasis, and Crescent Lake is like an emerald inlay
✅ The evening light and shadows are stunning, perfect for photography!
At night, visit [Shazhou Night Market], try a bowl of donkey meat yellow noodles, a chilled apricot peel drink, and a skewer of grilled lamb ribs, all for about 60 RMB per person, savoring the bold flavors of Northwest China. Pick up some souvenirs: glow-in-the-dark cups, Dunhuang bookmarks, colorful small Buddha sculptures.
📍Day 2: Pilgrimage to Mogao Caves + Digital Dunhuang Immersive Experience
The highlight is here! Mogao Caves (Category A ticket 238 RMB, includes digital films + 8 cave tours, must book in advance on the official website!)
✅ Watch two ultra HD digital films "Millennium Mogao" and "Dreamlike Buddhist Palace," vividly restoring mural details
✅ Visit 8 selected caves on-site, listen to professional guides tell stories behind the flying apsaras, nine-colored deer, and transformation murals—each stroke flows with faith
⚠️ Note: No photography inside the caves, keep phones silent, respect the cultural relics.
In the afternoon, return to the city and visit [Dunhuang Museum] (free), to systematically learn about Silk Road history and the story of the Library Cave.
Evening is free time, recommended to stroll along the [Danghe Scenic Line] or find a café to flip through a "Dunhuang Journal," slowly enjoying Northwest time.
📍Day 3: Light Hiking at Yangguan / Yumenguan + Return
On the last day, choose one based on your energy:
🔹 [Yangguan Ruins] (ticket 50 RMB): "No old friends west of Yangguan," climb the ancient beacon tower, gaze at the solitary smoke of the desert, and take a fun photo holding a "pass permit"
🔹 [Yumenguan + Han Great Wall] (ticket 90 RMB): the square city ruins on the wilderness, desolate and magnificent, perfect for photography lovers
If time allows, visit [Yadan National Geological Park] (aka "Ghost City," ticket + shuttle 160 RMB), but it’s far (2 hours one way), so car rental or a day tour is recommended.
Return before noon to end this cultural pilgrimage.
💰Total Budget Breakdown (per person):
✈️ Round-trip airfare: 1500 RMB (book early)
🏨 Accommodation for 2 nights: 600 RMB
🎟️ Tickets + transportation: 500 RMB (including shuttle/shared rides)
🍽️ Meals + experiences: 300 RMB
🎁 Shopping reserve: 100 RMB
= Total capped at 3000 RMB, extremely cost-effective!
📌Tips:
✔️ Dunhuang is warm during the day (20℃+), cold in the early morning and evening (5-10℃), bring a windbreaker + sunglasses + sunscreen
✔️ Desert UV is strong, hat, sunscreen, and lip balm are essential
✔️ Mogao Caves Category A tickets are limited daily, be sure to book 3-7 days in advance!
This holiday, why not fly to Dunhuang—
Tear up in front of the murals, gaze at the starry sky on the sand dunes,
Use three days and two nights to feel the heartbeat of the thousand-year Silk Road.
3000 RMB for a soul-stirring art journey, totally worth it!
William61 Mitchell - Will1