Private Day Trip to Yulin Caves and Western Thousand Buddha Caves from Dunhuang

Dunhuang , China

Private Day Trip to Yulin Caves and Western Thousand Buddha Caves from Dunhuang

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9m - 11m

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Yulin Caves and Western Thousand Buddha Caves are less popular than Mogao Caves, however, they are part of the Dunhuang art with their spectacular frescoes and statues in Dunhuang. This private day tour will let you explore these two sites in a day with a local guide by private vehicle. Pickup time is at 8am from your centrally located Dunhuang hotel.

Available options

Private Day Trip to Yulin Caves and Western Thousand Buddha Caves from Dunhuang

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Private tour

Lunch

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

tour operator

At 8am, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby centrally located in Dunhuang with a Viator signage writing your name on. Then you will go to Western Thousand Buddha Caves firstly, which is 35 km away from the downtown. Most of the caves were built in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 A.D) and Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D), and damaged badly due to its location close to the Dang River. However, there are fewer tourists than Mogao Caves, you can visit some caves with well-preserved frescoes and statues comparatively.

Afterwards you will drive about 2 hours to Yulin Caves that is about 170 km from Dunhuang. The Yulin Caves were built on bank cliffs at two sides of the Yulin River valley. There are now 42 major caves in existence together with hundreds of others scattered around, 31 on the east bank and 11 on the west bank. The first group of caves was built in the Northern Wei dynasty and in the following dynasties more caves were cut or restored. The forms of caves and contents of paintings show close connection with those in the Mogao Grottoes so they are important constitute parts of Dunhuang art complex, and have great historical and art value. The grottoes preserve nearly one thousand statues and more than one thousand-square-meters frescoes. You will follow the cave guide to visit some caves to learn the history.

Lunch is included today. Later you will be transferred back to your hotel in Dunhuang where the historical day trip concludes.

Note: The entrance fees for both caves are only for regular caves, and you can pay locally if you would like to visit special caves.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Passport name, number, and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Adult pricing applies to all travelers over 3 years old

Important notes

• 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.