Best of Dunhuang Day Tour to Yulin Grottoes and Suoyangcheng Ruins
Active
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
The Yulin Grottoes is 180 km far away from Dunhuang. Yulin Grottoes and Mogao Grottoes are twins Grottoes in Dunhuang. The 42 surviving caves, constructed on the two sharp cliffs facing each other, cover a period of more than 1500 years from the Northern Wei to the Qing Dynasty
The Suoyangcheng Ruins used to be a very important stop on the famous Silk Road, initially it was established in 3rd century AD.
Available options
All Year
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Private tour
Bottled water
Lunch
Professional art historian guide
Transport by private vehicle
Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
Detailed itinerary
1
At 8:30 am, our professional tour guide will meet you in your Dunhuang hotel, by car / bus to the Yulin Grottoes, during the 2.5 hours trip, you will see the vast Gobi and desert, village, grassland and snow mountain on the way. The grottoes were opened on the cliff of a valley, the cave 25 is the most complete preservation. Murals in these grottoes which consist of huge scripture drawings, portraits of Buddha etc. reveal the highly developed art of painting in the Tang Dynasty more than 1300 years ago. Scripture drawings on the southern and northern walls of cave 25 are big ones. These colorful, especially line drawings are rare.
2
The Suoyangcheng Ruins used to be a very important stop on the famous Silk Road, it was established in 3rd century AD. it has listed in the UNESCO in 2014. It consist of the ancient city, the ancient river way, the old temple, the old graves and the farming area.The ancient city consist of inner city and out city, now days, the city wall is still 10 meters high, we still can see the old construction site in the Suoyangcheng city. At the end, you will be transferred back to your Dunhuang hotel where this tour ends. Wish you have a nice trip with us.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
CMN
JA
EN
FR
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Viator
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
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
