敦煌 '大漠孤烟直,长河落日圆'
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Dunhuang Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Dunhuang Seasons
Dunhuang is land locked, and surrounded by high mountains. Its great distance from the moist sea breezes helped form its arid continental climate.
Summer is hot with strong sun, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential when traveling.
Winter is bitingly cold and dry, so bring plenty of warm clothes.
Some Tips for Travlers
1.The best time to visit Dunhuang is from April to October.
2.The fluctuation in temperature between day and night suggest tourists should bring a warm, winter clothing for use in the morning and evening.
3.Other essentials are sunglasses, caps, sunscreen and gauze-kerchiefs.
4.The air here is extremely dry in most of the time for the frequent wind. Lip balm is thus highly recommended.
5.It is necessary to have enough water and fruits every day here.
Dunhuang City is located at the west part of Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province. In ancient times, Dunhuang, referred to as Shazhou (desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes. Throughout Dunhuang's two-thousand-year history, its unique geographical location at the juncture of Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang has caused it to serve as a critical gateway to the West. For this reason, several emperors over the course of Chinese history have made improvements to its western fortifications.
Climate
The best time to visit Dunhuang and the ancient Silk Road is from May to October. Located far, far inland, Dunhuang has a very dry climate. There is plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. It has four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 9.3C (48F) . Summer and winter temperatures differ as greatly as 34C (93F). Hot summer has the highest temperature over 40C (104F). Sand storms can be a problem in the Dunhuang, with the wind sometimes reaching speeds of 3m/sec.
History
Dunhuang City is famous for its historical culture of China and an important ancient city on Silk Road in ancient time. Snowmelt from the pure white expanses of Qilian Mountain flows into the Dang River, along which green land has gradually proliferated.
After a prefecture was established here during the Han Dynasty, Dunhuang slowly became an ancient hub of communication amidst Gobi Desert, a junction of economic and cultural exchange between China and western countries and the starting point of three Silk Roads leading to Xiyu ("Western Regions", a Han Dynasty term for the area west of Yumenguan, including what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia). Han Dynasty silk and paper that was disseminated into Persia and Europe passed through Dunhuang, in the desert.
When Buddhism came to China from India, it passed through the Central Plains (comprising the middle and lower reaches of the Huanghe River), and therefore through Dunhuang. The city received both monks and priests preaching Western religion and Chinese monks seeking Sutra to India. Many temples and churches were established, and cave arts were introduced from India. In Dunhuang, Chinese national minority populations mingled with immigrant groups from Iran and India, eventually creating a prosperous metropolis that bustled with activity.
Scenic Spots
Among all of Dunhuang's attractions, the Mogao Grottoes (also known as the Dunhuang Grottoes) are a definite must-see. They contain one of the most complete collections of Buddhist frescoes and sculpture in the world, completed over a period stretching over ten dynasties. The Buddhist Grottoes of Dunhuang at Mogao are a treasure house of Buddhist art. Architecture, sculpture and painting blend organically into great expressions of Buddha worship that first found voice in the Han Dynasty and continued through the Tang (more than 1,000 years). After the discovery of approximately 50,000 Buddhist writings and Holy Scriptures at Dunhuang around 1900, Dunhuang gained a great fame for its Buddhist art relics; naturally, in December of 1987, they were put on UNESCO's list of the world's cultural legacies worthy of special protection.
Meanwhile, Dunhuang, the Ancient City, isn't exactly what you might think it is. Now, it's more like a gigantic movie set, where you can get a feel for ancient Dunhuang. To experience the real thing, however, you can explore the Yang guan Pass and Yumen guan Pass, great ruins that protected the real Ancient City of Dunhuang from Western barbarians and invaders.
Dunhuang also prides itself on its charming natural beauty. Crescent Moon Spring and the Mingsha (Humming Sand) Hill are located south of Dunhuang, while to the north the Yumen Pass of the Great Wall. The ruins of the Yanguan Pass lie to the south of the city.
Transportation
Today's Dunhuang is a typical tourist city, clean and beautiful. For a western city in China, Dunhuang has become more accessible for people to come and go by air and by train. Transportation is much more efficient, ensuring that your wonderful trip runs smoothly. Various classes of hotels and restaurants will also help make your trip more convenient and comfortable.
Dunhuang History
Dunhuang City is famous for its historical culture of China and an important ancient city on the legendary [Silk Road] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/silk-road/) in ancient time. In 111 B.C., under Han Dynasty, the [Great Wall] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/great-wall/) was extended here. From the present day city it is harld to picture the importance of ancient Dunhuang.
Strategic Position on Silk Road
After a prefecture was established here during the Han Dynasty, Dunhuang slowly became an ancient hub of communication amidst Gobi Desert, a junction of economic and cultural exchange between China and western countries and the starting point of three [Silk Roads] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/silk-road/) leading to Xiyu ("Western Regions", a Han Dynasty term for the area west of Yumenguan, including what is now [Xinjiang] (/china-guides/china-city-guides/xinjiang) and parts of Central Asia). Han Dynasty [silk] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/silk/) and paper that was disseminated into Persia and Europe passed through Dunhuang, in the desert.
Spread of Buddhism
When [Buddhism] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/buddhism/) came to China from India, it passed through the Central Plains (comprising the middle and lower reaches of the Huanghe River), and therefore through Dunhuang. The city received both monks and priests preaching Western religion and Chinese monks seeking Sutra to India. Many temples and churches were established, and [cave arts] (/china-guides/chinese-culture/grottoes/) were introduced from India. In Dunhuang, Chinese national minority populations mingled with immigrant groups from Iran and India, eventually creating a prosperous metropolis that bustled with activity.
Dunhuang Food
Dunhuang Dishes
Saozi Noodles - Dunhuang locals like to serve guests a special wheat noodle called Saozi noodles. It is very spicy.
Huang Noodles - It is another delectable noodle dish; the thin long noodles are added to a broth then topped with vegetables.
Dunhuang Banquet - This kind of banquet contains great food and rousing entertainment.
Featured Dunhuang Restaurants
Dunhuang Hotel's Chinese Restaurant
One of the classiest restaurants in the city specializes in Dunhuang banquets that go fron RMB 400 to RMB 1,000.
Add No. 14 Yangguan Middle Road
Tel 86-937-885 9128
Hours 8am to 10pm
Sun Hotel's Restaurant
Specializes in jinqian xianggao yangrou, a mutton dish and xiang huangjin zunyu, a kind of fish.
Add No. 5 Shazhou North Road
Tel 86-937-882 9998
Hours 8am to 10pm
Dunhuang Entertainment
Shopping
Dunhuang Rugs are colorful and durable, and they make great gifts.
Replica Statues are made from clay and very vivid. They cost RMB 30 to 800.
Dunhuang Transportation
Get In
As a popular tourism city famous for its abundant cultural relics, transportation in Dunhuang is very convenient.
Air - Dunhuang Airport is about 13 kilometers (about 8 miles) east of the city. From the airport to downtown Dunhuang, the most convenient vehicle should be taxi. The starting rate for taxies ranges from RMB 5 to RMB10 depending on the type of taxi.
Railway - There are now two railway stations available for your trip to and from Dunhuang: the Dunhuang Railway Station and the Liuyuan Railway Station. The former is located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away form the city center. The latter is about 128 kilometers (79.5 miles) north of the downtown area.
Get Around
Taxi - Dunhuang is a relatively small city so taxi fare should be about RMB 5 to anywhere within the city limits.
Bike - Bikes can be rented for RMB 1 per hour from some sites in Dunhuang.
Mogao Grottoes - Praised as "a glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road", Mogao Grottoes are the most famous grottoes in China.
Echoing-Sand Mountain - It is not really a mountain, but a giant sand dune. The sand has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. When a strong wind blows, the fast shifting sand roars. When a light breeze comes, the sand creates gentle, beautiful sounds akin to music.
Crescent Spring - Having been lying among these sand dunes for thousands of years, although given many surprise attacks by sandstorms, Crescent Spring still gurgles clear, and still remains worthy as the first spring in the desert.
Dunhuang Highlights List
Natural Scene
Historical Site
Cultural Site
Dunhuang Highlights
Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in China, built, rebuilt, and maintained between the 6th century B.C. and the 16th century to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire during the rule of successive dynasties.
Great Wall at Badaling
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Great Wall at Juyong Pass
Jiayu Pass
Great Wall at Simatai
Great Wall at Huangyaguan
Great Wall at Jinshanling- Shanhai Pass
- Laolongtou
Great Wall Museum
Overhanging Great Wall- Niangzi Pass
- Great Wall at Hushan
- Pingxing Pass
city highlights
Dunhuang Mural
Dunhuang Grottoes is one of the most complete collections of Buddhist frescoes and sculpture from a period ranging over ten dynasties. It is a colossal treasure-trove of, among other things, 45,000 square meters of frescos and 2,415 painted sculptures. Dunhuang Murals art is a solid art combining architecture, sculpture, and mural, which was called the biggest museum of fine arts in the world.
Silk Road
The Silk Road, or Silk Routes, refers to an extensive interconnected network of trade routes across the Asian continent connecting East, South and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and Europe.
Buddhism
Originated in India, Buddhism can be considered as the biggest and most influencial religion in China. Even some people say they don't believe in it, the spirit of Buddhism is still worth following.
Mt. Emeishan
Leshan Giant Buddha- Mt. Lushan
Mt. Putuoshan
Mt. Wutaishan
Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave- Mt. Jiuhuashan
Dazu Rock Carvings
Dai Temple
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center
city highlights
Grottoes
There are three famous grottoes in China, and they are: Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang.
Mogao Grottoes- Leshan Giant Buddha
Longmen Grottoes- Maijishan Grottoes
- Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
Binglingsi Grottoes- Dazu Rock Carvings
- Giant Buddha Temple
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
- Yulin Grottoes
city highlights
Dunhuang City is famous for its historical culture of China and an important ancient city on Silk Road in ancient time. The Dunhuang Grottoes contain one of the most complete collections of Buddhist frescoes and sculpture in the world, Dunhuang gained a great fame for its Buddhist art relics, and they were put on UNESCO's list of the world's cultural legacies worthy of special protection.
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