Dunhuang
Formerly a trading outpost on the fabled Silk Road, Dunhuang was once a cosmopolitan, exciting settlement that saw a steady flow of ideas, goods, and travelers through its dusty streets. Among some of the many innovations that once passed through this now unassuming, humble place were Buddhist scriptures; silk and tea headed for the west; and musical instruments, glass, and pottery.
After a series of ruinous invasions by nomadic tribes, as well as the increasing prominence of sea-borne trade routes, Dunhuang fell into a deep decline. Today, Dunhuang is known for its wealth of historical landmarks, some of which are 1,000 years old; highlights include the historic Mogao Grottoes, a priceless repository of Buddhist art; and the Dunhuang Museum, whose comprehensive exhibits explain in detail the history and lore of Dunhuang and its environs.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Dunhuang Museum
Visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about the history of the Mogao Grottoes from a local expert. View the museum’s collection of scrolls and sutras discovered in the caves.
Dunhuang Night Market
Wander through Dunhuang’s lively night market and old town, where the food stalls and shops are open late. Vendors who often look far more Middle Eastern than Chinese cook up spicy lamb kebabs and dishes with thick, hearty noodles over open braziers.
Gobi Camel Caravan
Travel by camel caravan into the dunes of the Gobi, where you’ll enjoy a feast of local specialties as the sun sets over the desert, then settle in around a bonfire to appreciate the silence of this vast landscape and a spectacular showing of stars.
Mingsha Dunes
Go sand tobogganing, paragliding or ride a camel in the Mingsha Dunes at the eastern border of the Gobi Desert. Explore Yueya Quan, a small crescent-shaped lake famous for its permanence in the desert, first recorded by travelers at least two thousand years ago.
Mogao Grottoes
Visit the Mogao Grottoes, one of the greatest archaeological treasures in Asia. Spend the day exploring the thousand year old site and its 492 caves, which contain ancient manuscripts, paintings, and some of the earliest Buddhist art in
China.
China Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Northern
Southeastern
Central
Western & Silk Road
Southern
Yunnan
Multi-Country Specialists
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Silk Road Oasis: My Top 5 Dunhuang Experiences
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Step back in history a few thousand years, when the Silk Road was first established and you’ll find Dunhuang at the crossroads of the Northern and Southern route
A Quarter Century of Conservation at the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang
- Author
- John McMahon
In the mid-nineties a team from the Getty Conservation Institute began working with the Dunhuang Academy to develop the China Principles to protect the Mogao Caves.
A Place as Hot as Fire: Highlights of Turpan
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Those on a quest to discover the ancient Silk Road often make stops in Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar, all oases on the ancient trade route, but none with as much to offer as Turpan.
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