Travel to Dunhuang

Things to do in Dunhuang

Dunhuang offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, perfect for a memorable vacation. Visitors can explore vibrant local markets, enjoy camping under the stars, and embark on arduous treks through the picturesque landscape. For those interested in organised experiences, Beijing Dunhuang tours provide an excellent opportunity to discover the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Shopping

Shazhou Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of local gifts and souvenirs, showcasing the city's unique culture. If you're up for a drive, the Dunhuang Shopping Centre, about 16.1km away, features modern retail options and a mix of international brands for a more contemporary shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience serenity at the Dunhuang Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural mineral-rich waters surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. Afterward, explore the nearby Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire ancient Buddhist art and architecture, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Adventure

The stunning Mogao Caves, located a short drive from Dunhuang, offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Buddhist art with their intricate murals and sculptures. For a thrilling experience, explore the vast dunes of Mingsha Shan, where you can sandboard or take a camel ride through the picturesque desert landscape.

Nightlife

In Dunhuang, explore the vibrant nightlife at the Dunhuang Night Market, where you can savour local street food and shop for unique souvenirs. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit the Silk Road Lounge, offering a selection of fine teas and live performances under the stars.

Find the best attractions in Dunhuang

Dunhuang offers an ideal getaway for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including ancient caves, serene lakes, and intriguing museums, all of which cater to those interested in culture and outdoor experiences. Whether you're keen on immersing yourself in history or enjoying breathtaking scenery, Dunhuang has something to offer every traveller.

• Mingsha Shan: Experience the enchanting beauty of Mingsha Shan, a stunning desert known for its picturesque dunes and outdoor adventures. You can indulge in activities like sandboarding or camel riding while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
• Mogao Caves: Explore the ancient Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring exquisite Buddhist art and architecture. These caves offer an adventurous journey through history, showcasing intricate murals and sculptures that date back over a millennium.
• Crescent Lake: Discover the romantic allure of Crescent Lake, a serene oasis amidst the desert. This picturesque lake is perfect for leisurely strolls and offers stunning views, inviting you to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Best time to go to Dunhuang

The best time to visit Dunhuang is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	19.4°F (-7.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
February	29.1°F (-1.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low
March	44.8°F (7.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	78.3°F (25.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
July	83.3°F (28.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Moderately High
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
November	35.1°F (1.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	21.9°F (-5.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dunhuang

To save money on your trip to Dunhuang, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January and March, and book your hotel 1-3 months in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Thursdays are the most costly. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and type, and look for last-minute deals. Public transport can be economical, and combining your hotel with flights and activities through an Expedia package can yield additional savings. Don't forget to check for airport shuttle services to further reduce travel costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing in Dunhuang is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay in Dunhuang are January and March, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Dunhuang about 1-3 months out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Dunhuang is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Dunhuang is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Dunhuang with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.