Private Half Day Tour Western Thousand Buddha Grottoes
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Dunhuang Research Academy (DHRA) is a national comprehensive institution responsible for the conservation, management and research of the Mogao Grottoes (a world cultural heritage site at Dunhuang), the Yulin Grottoes (a nationally protected key cultural heritage site at Guazhou), and the Western Thousand-Buddha Grottoes at Dunhuang.
Today, our tour guide will show to visit the Western Thousand Buddha Grottoes, which is a part of Dunhuang Grottoes.
Available options
All year
Visit the Western Thousand Buddhas Grottoes wih our professional tour guide.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Bottled water
Driver
Fuel surcharge
Detailed itinerary
1
Your private English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to embark on a day of adventure. You will be transferred by comfortably air-conditioned private vehicle to the Western Thousand Buddha Grottoes, at 9 am , you will visit 5 different grottoes on the cliff, the cliff used to be the bank of the river, today there are only 16 grottoes remained. It was a very important Buddhism place in the past time, the travelers from western part of China,after they got the permission from the governor of Yangguan Pass, most of them would like to stop at the Western Thousand Buddha Grottoes.
When you finish tour, you will transfer to your Dunhuang hotel.
Wish you have a nice day!
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
CMN
JA
EN
FR
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Important notes
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
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.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
Getting there
By air
- Dunhuang Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Dunhuang Railway Station
By bus
Dunhuang Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Shazhou Night Market
Dunhuang Old Town
Day trips
Eagle's Beak (Yingpan)
120 km from Dunhuang • Full day
A unique geological formation featuring a narrow canyon and stunning desert landscapes. It offers hiking and exploration opportunities.
Sanggan Temple
30 km from Dunhuang • Half day
An ancient Buddhist temple with a rich history and beautiful architecture. It offers a peaceful retreat and cultural insights.
Festivals
Dunhuang International Silk Road Week • June
Pro tips
- Visit the Mogao Caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Carry plenty of water and wear a hat when exploring the desert.
- Try local street food at the Shazhou Night Market for an authentic experience.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
- Use a local SIM card or eSIM for convenient internet access.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
