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.