Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dunhuang
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dunhuang

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Springtop_1
    󰺂8.9
    0.71
    Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring6.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring for 4 Consecutive Months | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis
    󱓊Desert dunes & spring coexistence
    󱨠Saved by 828 users󱨠23509 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    超仔inno7cent超仔inno7cent

    This is my first time here, and I think it's quite fun. It's just so cold today, I feel freezing! Everyone should wear more clothes when they come.

  • Mogao Cavestop_2
    󰺂8.2
    22.63
    Dunhuang16.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets for Core Dunhuang Attractions | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Guided tour of select grottoes
    󱓊Watch two 20-minute Mogao films
    󱨠Saved by 690 users󱨠5603 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    E34***86E34***86

    It’s worth it!! It’s my second time visiting. Event though i book 1130, we reached at 0900+ and able to queue and enter! For non mandarin tour, the group is MUCH smaller and hence you would be able to ask more questions. The gathering point is also different. The tour guide is professional.

  • Yang Guantop_3
    󰺂7.2
    7.08
    Dunhuang56.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoImmersive experience at Yang Pass, travel through time with a customs passport
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    Highlights:
    󰀆Gobi views & distant mountains
    󱓊Spectacular ancient beacon tower ruins
    󱨠1576 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    ty山高人为峰ty山高人为峰

    Yangguan was an important pass on the Silk Road. The well-known poem, "I urge you to drink another cup of wine, for once you leave Yangguan, you will find no old friends," describes the ancient Yangguan Road in the Gobi Desert.

  • Yumen Pass
    4
    󰺂7.0
    7.08
    Dunhuang68.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Hara Lake's reed spectacle
    󱓊Gobi's Hala Lake & reeds
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠1072 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    mahoninglimahoningli

    When I think of Yumen Pass, the line that immediately comes to mind is: "The Yellow River flows far away among white clouds, a solitary city nestles on a thousand-foot mountain. Why should the Qiang flute complain about the willows? The spring breeze never reaches Yumen Pass." After visiting Yumen Pass, I truly felt this poem. Yumen Pass, said to be named after the jade from the ancient Western Regions (such as Hotan) that entered the Central Plains through this pass, was built during the Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu opened the route to the Western Regions and established the "Four Commanderies of Hexi." It was not only a crucial military pass during the Han Dynasty but also a vital chokepoint on the northern route of the Silk Road. Currently, only three ruins remain: 1. Xiaofangpancheng Ruins—a square earthen fortress with relatively intact walls, it once served as the seat of the Yumen Commandery during the Han Dynasty and formed the core of Yumen Pass's defense system. 2. Hecang City Ruins (Dafangpan City) — This important military depot on the western defense line (of the Great Wall) from the Han Dynasty to the Wei and Jin Dynasties provided food, clothing, and other supplies to soldiers guarding Yumen Pass, Yangguan Pass, and the Great Wall. 3. Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins — This section of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, dating back over 2,000 years, is one of China's oldest surviving Great Walls. Unlike the brick and stone construction of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, the Han Dynasty Great Wall was largely constructed using locally sourced materials, with layers of red willow, reeds, and sandstone rammed earth. Although it resembles an earthen embankment, its historical value is unparalleled. There are no magnificent palaces, no shady trees, and no entertainment facilities here; what you see is the authentic face of history. As the sun sets and dusk falls, you gaze upon the ruins, standing alone in the vast Gobi Desert, surrounded by the boundless expanse of heaven and earth. As you touch the loess walls, eroded by millennia of wind and sand, desolation, vastness, loneliness, and endless nostalgia all surge, instantly transporting you back to an era of war and battle. Rereading that poem, I can't help but weep. The first two lines are so majestic and heroic, while the last two express untold helplessness and sacrifice. Yumen Pass made me feel the weight of history and the power of time, offering me a profoundly moving and soul-stirring experience.

  • Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
    5
    󰺂7.0
    8.49
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Romantic Wilderness of Dunhuang's Winter Yardangs | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󱨜Stunning Yardang views & perspectives
    󱓊Wind-eroded formations & ship-like hills
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠1228 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    AlinkaShockAlinkaShock

    Highly recommend to book this trip 🤩🤩👍 It was really convenient and super comfortable. The van was amazing, you could easily lay down and even sleep in between the destinations 😴 The driver was also super nice, helpful and professional. Definitely worry free trip👍👍👍

  • Dahaidao
    6
    󰺂7.0
    6.37
    Hami>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHami Dahaidao upgraded to a must-visit attraction in Xinjiang
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stargazing feels like a secret
    󰋄Fossil mirage & wild camels
    󱨠771 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Horace TongHorace Tong

    I was recommended to come to Dahaidao by a local, but had no way of getting there! Thankfully I found this tour on trip. The process was relatively smooth but what made it was my guide/driver/photographer Master Liang! I don't speak Mandarin but he went out of his way to help and accommodate me. He kept us.on schedule and showed us the best places to go, and took some great photos. I really appreciate his kindness and help the whole day! If you get a chance to go with him, do it!!

  • Dunhuang Museum
    7
    󰺂6.9
    Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring1.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    Highlights:
    Next to Mogao Caves Heritage
    󰋄Experience ancient painting techniques firsthand
    󱨠924 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    王蒙warmer王蒙warmer

    Teacher Qin's explanations were very professional. As a local of Dunhuang, she has a deep understanding of the area. She is passionate about the Mogao Caves and has her own unique understanding of art. We talked a lot, which helped us learn more about Dunhuang. Highly recommended!

  • Dunhuang Bookstore
    8
    󰺂6.3
    Dunhuang.Shazhou Market485m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    󱨠195 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    U44***11U44***11

    Dunhuang Bookstore is located on the banks of the Dang River. The interior environment is absolutely aesthetically pleasing. The first floor mainly features cultural and creative products, while the second floor has a very rich collection of books, mostly related to Dunhuang. You can sit quietly all day with good books, coffee, and snacks. In the evening, as the sun sets, you can see a different kind of scenery outside the window!

  • Dunhuang Press
    9
    󰺂5.9
    Dunhuang.Shazhou Market1.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    󱨠356 positive reviews
    5.0/5
    NanJDMMNanJDMM

    There are so many stamps, of course the paid stamps are more beautiful and nicer looking, the handmade experience is also good, the cultural and creative products are also very exquisite, the printed coffee has many patterns to choose from, if you bring children, two or three hours is not enough. No reservation is actually required.

  • Ancient Sound of Dunhuang
    10
    󰺂5.8
    42.14
    Dunhuang.Dunhuang Airport/Dunhuang Railway Station8.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Dunhuang
    Highlights:
    󰀆Cave show: Dunhuang music culture
    󰋄Dunhuang shows year-round
    󱨠644 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    _We***23_We***23

    More than just a show, it's an introduction to Dunhuang culture. The cultural integration along the Silk Road is beautifully captured. I could sense the creative team's respect and passion for Dunhuang culture. After seeing this, visiting the Mogao Grottoes and viewing the murals there will be a completely different experience. It's a perfect place to bring children for a vivid aesthetic and historical education.

Best things to do in Dunhuang (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Dunhuang? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Dunhuang offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Dunhuang

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Dunhuang experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring

• Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 6.1 km from downtown

• : Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis,Desert dunes & spring coexistence

Mogao Caves

• Dunhuang | 16.7 km from downtown

• : Guided tour of select grottoes,Watch two 20-minute Mogao films

Yang Guan

• Dunhuang | 56.4 km from downtown

• : Gobi views & distant mountains,Spectacular ancient beacon tower ruins

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Dunhuang

If you want to explore attractions just outside Dunhuang, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Dunhuang, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Dunhuang special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Dunhuang

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Dunhuang

Ready to explore the best of Dunhuang? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Dunhuang?
These are all Best Things to Do in Dunhuang:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring, Mogao Caves, Yang Guan, Yumen Pass, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Dunhuang?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Dunhuang include:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:4.7, Mogao Caves:4.4, Yang Guan:4.5, Yumen Pass:4.4, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark:4.6
At what locations in Dunhuang can Best Things to Do in Dunhuang be found?
The Best Things to Do in Dunhuang are mainly located in:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:Dunhuang, Mogao Caves:Dunhuang, Yang Guan:Dunhuang, Yumen Pass:Dunhuang, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark:Dunhuang
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