A sand dune the size of Singapore sits besides Dunhuang, now a small market town in the gigantic Taklimakan desert. It was not always so. At the time of the Silk Road, this was one of the world’s largest cities, the farthest outpost of China serving the rich trade with the west. From the fourth century for over a thousand years, Dunhuang was the gateway to China when this was the world’s "Fortnum and Mason". Vast fortunes were made, and it became customary for wealthy families to finance the painting of Buddhist caves in thanks. Nearly 500 caves were hollowed out and painted in a one-mile long cliff face near the city. The Mogao Caves became the birthplace of Chinese figurative painting and are a unique record of a millennium of Chinese and Central Asian history. Long removed from camels and caravans, Dunhuang is now home to some of the world’s largest solar and wind energy farms, stretching across the desert beyond the ancient Great Wall where travelers once tracked. The ancient Silk Road is explicitly recalled in China’s new One Belt One Road policy. Of course, for those who know their Dunhuang history, there is nothing new under the sun.

Lunch on the Great Wall, camel rides in the desert, Peking Duck, Terracotta Warriors, rafting in Guilin, Forbidden City, and studio visits. This was our most spectacular vacation ever.

S.S., USA

Custom Itineraries

Explore dunhuang through the eyes of a local

The Mogao Caves in this little oasis town have great artistic and historical significance, but interest in the area originated with tales of a magical crescent lake in the midst of the sand dunes.

Dunhuang is too cold to visit from late-November to March and sand storms can occur in this area between March and June.

We customize each of our itineraries based on your interests and traveling style. The itinerary below forms a base to start the conversation.

Day01
DINNER AL FRESCO
From your plane window an oasis town appears unexpectedly in the midst of the desert, welcome to Dunhuang. Tonight, dinner will be served al fresco in the beautiful Gobi desert scenery.
Day02
MOGAO CAVES, JADE GATE, GREAT WALL
Begin your day in the impressive Mogao Caves comprising nearly 500 caves of paintings and sculptures. After a lunch we will visit the Jade Gate Pass built in the 2nd century BCE at the end of the Han dynasty Great Wall, which we also see.
Day03
UPWARD AND ONWARD
After a relaxing morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to your next destination.

Luxury Accommodations

In some destinations, top-level accommodation is unavailable in which case we will book you suites at the best available property.

Learn More

Dunhuang Castle Hotel

Situated against the backdrop of the picturesque Mingsha Sand Dunes in Dunhuang, this hotel captures the unique architectural design of the Tang Dynasty.

Your Personal Traveling Concierge

Our China Hosts

Our China Hosts are part of what makes us unique; they help explain our success for over twenty years. Our China Hosts have been hand selected and expertly trained to provide you with the most unforgettable journey. From seamlessly ensuring flawless logistics, to deepening your cultural immersion, to effecting last minute adjustments, in the words of a guest, they take a trip "from excellence to perfection". Before you travel with us, it's hard to imagine what a China Host brings to the party. After, it's hard to imagine traveling without one.

suggested guide: Adam (Xia Jun)

After graduating from the North West Normal University of Gansu Province in 1995, Xia Jun became a tour guide. In his more than 20 years as a guide Xia Jun has given tours for people from all over the world and has hosted multiple diplomatic guests including the American and Israeli Ambassadors to China. In his spare time Xia Jun enjoys athletics and has a fine appreciation for art. He has traveled across China and South East Asia, but Dunhuang is always home. As a local resident Xia Jun is well versed in the extensive history, cultural and traditional customs of the region.

Fine Dining & Authentic Cuisine

Experience the finest in Chinese and Western cuisine

Foreign religions entered China along the Silk road. Islam displaced Buddhism in this area, influencing the local food scene. From the delicious Da Pan Ji (大盘鸡) or Big Plate Chicken, to Kao Bao Zi (烤包子), dumplings filled with succulent lamb, and of course ubiquitous lamb kebabs, your appetite will be satiated by this unexpected treasure of Chinese cuisine.

Demographics

  • Part of the prefecture-level city of Jiuquan in the province of Gansu
  • Population: 187,578 (2000)
  • Literal Meaning of Dunhuang: Blazing Beacon

Brief History

  • 121 BCE – Comes under Chinese rule
  • 2nd Century CE – With a population of more than 76,000 Dunhuang is a key supply base for the Silk Road trade route and is a town of military importance
  • 353 – The first Buddhist caves are created
  • 405 – Capital of Western Liang moves from Dunhuang to Jiuquan
  • 421 – Western Liang is conquered by Northern Liang
  • 581 – 907 – During the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, Dunhuang lies on all 3 of the main silk road trading routes and becomes the main communication hub for traders
  • 848 – 1036 – Dunhuang is fought over and conquered by feuding warlords
  • 1227 – Mongols sack and destroy the town
  • 1516 – Tibetans occupy the town
  • 1715 – China retakes control of the city under the Qing Dynasty
  • 1725 – Present day Dunhuang is established

Geography

  • Dunhuang is situated between the large Qilian mountains to the south, the Gobi desert to the west and the Hexi Passage to the east. The glacier fed Danghe River runs through the oasis town.
  • Altitude: 1,142m (3,747ft)
  • Main River: Danghe River
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