Dunhuang Private Day Tour to Yulin Grottoes and Suoyang City Ruins

Dunhuang , China

Dunhuang Private Day Tour to Yulin Grottoes and Suoyang City Ruins

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This private day tour is an ideal extension to explore Yulin Grottoes, Suoyang City Ruins, and the Statue of Son of Earth. After the thrilling car ride on the wild desert, you will visit the splendid Yulin grottoes carvings and wall paintings, explore the mysterious ruins of Suoyang City as well as soul-touching statue of Son of Earth, through which you will discover the ancient art, culture, and civilization hidden in the yellow sand for thousands of year.

Available options

Only Transfer & Guide Service

This options includes basic service of private transfer and tour guide with entrance tickets. <br/>Pickup included

All Inclusive Option

This option includes private transfer, tour guide, and entrance tickets.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English Speaking Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tolls, fuel surcharges and parking fees

Entrance Tickets

Detailed itinerary

At 8am, our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and then drive to the Yulin Grottoes. Yulin Grottoes locates in Jiuquan City, about 100km east away from Dunhuang city. Although not being as famous as Mogao Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes, Yulin Grottoes is rated highly and commented as a surprise by former visitors. It is the lower fame that makes the grottoes less visited and better protected. Engraved in North Wei Dynasty on the cliff of the Yulin River Valley, Yulin Grottoes looks extremely spectacular. The colorful wall paintings here will take you into another world with strong flavor of history and religion.

After a Chinese style lunch at local restaurant（expense on your own）, you will continue the exploration to Suoyang City Ruins. In the lengthy past, about 1380 years, Suoyang City Ruins had been a stage where the ethnic minorities of generations played the historic comedies and tragedies. The scenic area is a complex of historic relics and natural views, including ancient city relics, ancient temples, ancient tomb groups, ancient riverways and so on, gaining great fame with its diversified historic looks and rich content underneath.

The last site to visit today is the Statue of Son of Earth. It was designed by the Professor Dong Shubing from Tsinghua University. In 2016, he raised funds by himself and created such a great work on the wild desert, just to evoke people’s respect and protection to life, environment and earth. It’s a huge visual and emotional impact when you see such a sleeping baby lying on the wild Gobi and forming a strong contrast with the environment around.
Finishing the attractions visiting, you will take the car back to your Dunhuang hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Any Optional activities

Any Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dunhuang

Dunhuang is a historic oasis city located at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. Known for its stunning desert landscapes, ancient Buddhist caves, and rich cultural heritage, Dunhuang offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It is a gateway to the vast Gobi Desert and the famous Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Top Attractions

Mogao Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Caves are a system of 492 ancient Buddhist temples and cave sanctuaries. They house some of the finest examples of Buddhist art and murals spanning a thousand years.

Historical/Religious Half day to full day ¥170 (including entrance fee and guided tour)

Mingsha Shan (Singing Sand Dunes)

A massive sand dune complex near the Mogao Caves, known for the unique sound it makes when the sand slides down. It offers stunning desert landscapes and adventure activities.

Nature/Adventure Half day ¥10 (entrance fee) + activity costs

Yadan National Geopark

A unique geological landscape featuring eroded rock formations, canyons, and desert scenery. It offers hiking and exploration opportunities in a stunning natural setting.

Nature/Adventure Full day ¥60 (entrance fee)

Dunhuang Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Dunhuang and the Silk Road. It features artifacts, exhibits, and information about the region's rich heritage.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lamb Skewers (Yangrou Chuan)

Grilled lamb skewers marinated in a blend of spices and soy sauce

Snack Contains meat

Hand-Pulled Noodles (Lamian)

Freshly made noodles served with a variety of sauces and toppings

Main dish Vegetarian options available

Sweet Melon (Gua)

A local sweet melon known for its juicy and refreshing taste

Dessert Vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in the desert Camel riding Sandboarding Tea house visits Desert meditation Local spa treatments Visiting the Mogao Caves Exploring the Dunhuang Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This period offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing, with warm days and cool nights. It's the best time to explore the desert and historical sites.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: Mandarin Chinese
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dunhuang is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, travelers should be cautious of petty theft and scams, especially in tourist areas.