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

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(6 reviews)

10h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

Mogao Grottoes is the jewel of Silk Road located in Dunhuang, China, where access is very challenging. This private day tour take you to Duhuang with a visit to the highlights of Silk Road including Mogao Grottoes. You will also see the wonder of the Singing Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring.

Available options

Tour

Tour Package<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Bottled water

Private tour

Lunch

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

At 8:00am, your guide will pick you up from the lobby of your Dunhuang hotel and transfer you to Visitors' Center of Mogao Grottoes, an UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, where you will watch two documentaries about the caves and Silk Road. Then, a professional cave guide will lead you to explore about 7 to 9 caves closely. You will be astonished by well-preserved fresco and statues in the caves from the 4th century.

The caves were built by monks with donated funds and elaborately painted to serve as shrines and for meditation and enlightenment. Those paintings are also a teaching tools to inform those illiterate about Buddhist beliefs and stories. The primary caves were sponsored by patrons of important clergies, local ruling elites, foreign dignitaries, and Chinese emperors. Some of the caves might have been funded by merchants, military officers, and local residents.
*Note: Your visit to the Mogao Caves might be changed to the afternoon due to daily availability of the attraction. In this case, you will visit the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring in the morning.

This afternoon, you will be transferred to see Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring. It is also called whistling sand or barking sand that produces sound which is perhaps caused by wind passing over dunes or by walking on the sand.

This magical spring is located in the center of sand dunes but it has never been covered by the sand throughout the history. Crescent Moon Spring is a crescent-shaped lake oasis in Gobi Desert that is slowing shrinking due to climate change.

tour operator

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants for Travel Insurance

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• A current valid passport is required
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.