Dunhuang Private Day Tour: Mogao Grottoes,Singing Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring

Dunhuang , China

Dunhuang Private Day Tour: Mogao Grottoes,Singing Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring

Active

6h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend a full-day discovering the top attractions in Dunhuang with an experienced guide who shares details about the rich history of this ancient Silk Road city. Visit Mogao Grottoes, which is the world's largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art; then go up to Singing Dunes to enjoy amazing view of the desert and Crescent Moon Pool. Finally, explore a natural wonder of the Gobi Desert at Crescent Moon Spring. Tour includes all entrance fees, a Chinese lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Available options

Dunhuang Private Day Tour: Mogao Grottoes,Singing Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Lunch

English speaking tour guide

Entrance fee

Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Your tour guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel by holding your name sign, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, heading directly to Mogao Caves.

Upon arrival, start your tour with a visit to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center.

Watch two documentary movies, get to know the history, culture and art about Mogao Caves. Afterwards, follow the professional tour guide from Mogao Caves to discover the charms of this UNESCO world culture heritage site. You will explore 7 to 9 caves. As you explore the caves, your guide will point out the meaning of different wall paintings which aspects of medieval politics, economics, culture, arts, religion, ethnic relations, and daily dress in western China.

Mogao Caves are the world's largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art. They are located at a strategic point along the Silk Road, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences. The carving of the caves started in 366 AD and continued for about 1,000 years. 492 caves are presently preserved, housing about 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures which are well-known for their statues and wall paintings.

Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, then heading to Echoing-Sand Mountain.

The sand of the mountain has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. When there is strong wind, the sands will be blown up and make loud sound, hence the name.

Stroll around the area to enjoy the surroundings. You can choose to go up to the dune to enjoy amazing view of the desert and Crescent Moon Pool.

Move on to Crescent Moon Pool. Just like its name indicates, the Crescent Pool is in a natural shape of half-moon. The pool was surrounded by Echoing Sand Mountain, it was considered as “the first spring in desert". According to historical record, the lake has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand.

Your wonderful tour will ends here, your tour guide and driver will take you back to your hotel in Dunhuang.

What's not included

Gratuites

Accommodation

The entrance fees is only for regular caves, you can pay extra if you want to visit special caves.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The entrance fees is only for regular caves, you can pay extra if you want to visit special caves.

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.