Dunhuang tours

Things to do in Dunhuang

Dunhuang, an oasis on the ancient Silk Road, is where desert sands meet lush groves and history unfolds in vivid murals. This city, with its mystical charm, invites you to explore its treasures with the insight of your local guide on Dunhuang tours. Picture yourself tracing the footsteps of traders and monks, visiting the awe-inspiring Mogao Caves with their vibrant frescoes, and skipping the line to uncover their secrets. Your guide brings the desert alive, whether on a walking tour through the dunes or a food and wine tour savoring the unique flavours of the region. Discover hidden gems like the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Lake, where nature's beauty leaves you breathless. In Dunhuang, every grain of sand holds a story, and your guide is there to reveal each one. Explore Dunhuang your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Dunhuang tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Dunhuang for every interest, including: Layover tours: Your guide meets you at Dunhuang Airport or the high‑speed rail station, stores your bags, and takes you to Mingsha Shan for a short camel ride and a walk to Crescent Lake, then a quick bowl of niangpi and a glass of apricot‑peel water at Shazhou Night Market before your on‑time return. With advance notice, you can also fit a timed‑entry visit to a few Mogao Caves via the visitor centre shuttle. City highlights tours: See the best in a day with pre‑booked Mogao Caves to view a curated set of painted grottoes, a sunset climb on the dunes at Echoing‑Sand Mountain, and snack stops for cumin lamb skewers and sweet melon at the night market. Add Dunhuang Museum for Silk Road relics and a stroll along the sculpture‑lined pedestrian street. History tours: Trace Silk Road routes to Yumen Pass and Hecang Fortress to walk rammed‑earth Han‑era walls and hear courier‑station stories, then examine Tang‑dynasty murals in the less‑visited Western Thousand Buddha Caves. You can also visit segments of the Han Great Wall in the Gobi and learn how beacon towers worked. Getting around: The town centre is walkable, but headline sights are spread out; Mogao Caves require the park shuttle, and dunes, passes, and Yadan are drives from town with limited public transit. If you prefer, ask your local guide to arrange a chauffeured tour or private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Dunhuang inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Delve into Dunhuang with a private walking tour, exploring its neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to connect with the area's unique culture and history. - Mogao Caves Area: Known for its ancient Buddhist art, this area is a must for cultural tourists interested in exploring the Silk Road’s artistic heritage. - Dunhuang Night Market: Offers a lively atmosphere with local crafts and cuisine, perfect for families and those seeking an authentic local experience. - Echoing-Sand Mountain: Known for its stunning desert landscapes and camel rides, it appeals to adventure seekers and those interested in nature. - Shazhou Night Market: A vibrant spot for local food and souvenirs, ideal for tourists wanting to savor traditional flavors and find unique keepsakes. - Crescent Lake: Offers a serene and picturesque setting amidst the desert, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat and stunning photo opportunities. Day trip ideas from Dunhuang Base yourself in Dunhuang and branch out on day trips to desert dunes, cave art, and old Silk Road gates, shaping your tour around sunrise light, wind patterns, and time on the open road. - Mingsha Shan and Crescent Lake: Climb the soft dunes for wide desert views, try sand sledding, and drop down to the spring-fed lake, a close-in outing that suits active travellers and casual walkers alike. - Mogao Caves: See world-class Buddhist murals and statues with timed entry and on-site interpretation, a smart pick for art and history fans who want depth without rushing. - Yadan National Geological Park: Ride the highway to wind-carved yardang formations that glow at sunset, a good choice if you like surreal landscapes, long horizons, and quiet stops for photos. - Yumen Pass and Han Great Wall Ruins: Stand by an ancient gatehouse and scattered beacon towers, simple earthen sites that bring the frontier part of the Silk Road into focus for anyone into archaeology and big open desert. - Yangguan Pass and oasis farms: Pair the small museum and ruins with nearby orchards and vineyards for a slower afternoon, mixing Silk Road stories with local fruit, tea, and laid-back rural views. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Dunhuang most travellers miss.