Dunhuang Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
county-level city in Jiuquan, Gansu, China
About Dunhuang
The city was founded by Emperor Wudi of the Han dynasty in 111 BC at the crossroads of two trading routes on theSilk Road, and the name 'Dunhuang', meaning to 'to flourish and prosper,' gives some indication of the town's prominence in ancientChina. It is much less important today. Buddhism reached China via theSilk Roadand this is one of the more important Buddhist sites on that route. The Tangut orWestern Xiaruled a substantial kingdom in the area, with its capital atYinchuan, for centuries until the Mongol conquest in the 1200s. They were the main sponsors of Buddhist construction at Dunhuang.
Top Attractions in Dunhuang
Explore the best things to see and do in Dunhuang:
- ★Camel Trek, arranged by Charlie Johng's Cafe
- ★Dunhuang Museum
- ★Huyang Forest
- ★Mogao Caves
- ★Playing Pipa Statue
- ★Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake
- ★Summer of Dunhuang Variety Show
- ★White Horse Pagoda
Where to Eat in Dunhuang
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Charlie Johng's cafe
- 🍴Lovina Pizza
- 🍴Night market skewers stalls
- 🍴Oasis
- 🍴Shirley's cafe
- 🍴Yunnan Cross Bridge Mixian
Where to Stay in Dunhuang
- 🏨Charlie Johng's Dune Guesthouse
- 🏨Charlie Johng's Hostel
- 🏨Dunhuang Hotel
- 🏨Feitian Hotel Dunhuang
- 🏨Five Rings Hotel
- 🏨Grand Sun Hotel Dunhuang
Dunhuang Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: