Mogao Caves
Dunhuang, China
Mogao Caves, or the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, are located southeast of Dunhuang, nestled into the cliffs above the Dachuan River. The temple caves are covered with preserved Buddhist frescoes and sculptures, most likely made by monks, pilgrims, and traders who stayed here while making journeys or pilgrimages along the Silk road, created over a period of 1,000 years.
Visitors must go on an organized tour to the Mogao Caves, and tickets can only be purchased in specific areas. Tours start at the visitors center where you watch a 3D movie. Not all caves are open to the public, but you will see footage of some of those in this film. Afterwards, head to the caves. There are around 15 open for visitors, all full of colorful, intricate artwork and sculptures. Your guide tells you the meanings and stories behind them.
Tours to Mogao Caves are usually part of a day tour from Dunhuang, or multi-day Silk Road tours traversing China and beyond. Other attractions in the area to combine with a day trip to Mogao Caves are Singing Dunes, Crescent Moon Spring, and Yulin Grottos.
Since only a limited number of tickets are issued each day, try to purchase them the day before or send your guide or driver to buy them.
It’s worth it to join the early tour, which takes up to four hours, so that you can continue to see other sights in the area during the rest of the day.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and drink it throughout the day. The Mogao Caves are located in the arid Gobi desert, where it is generally extremely dry.
It’s pretty straightforward getting to Mogao Caves from Dunhuang. Just head to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center, buy tickets for the shuttle bus, and hop aboard for the 20 minute ride. Note that you can’t get tickets at the caves themselves, so you must start at the exhibition center, which is about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the center of Dunhuang city, reachable by bus.
The Mogao Caves are open all year round, but the most temperate times to visit this part of China is during spring or fall, when temperatures are usually pleasant for touring. The summer sun can be piercing in the Gobi Desert, and it's just plain cold in the winter. During different seasons, the caves open at varying times. Buses generally leave from the exhibition center from around 7am to 3pm.
After a long day of touring the caves, or grottoes, you’ll be hungry. Head to the Dunhuang Night Market (Shazhou Night Market) where you can find the region's highlights all in one area, ready to sample. The yellow noodles are a local favorite, or try some kebabs, stir-fried vegetables, and many more options. The fruit here, ripened by the sharp desert sun, is super sweet. Try melons, grapes, or the xiangshui pears.
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