Dunhuang Transportation, China Travel Guide

The oasis town of Dunhuang lay at a crucial junction of the Silk Road, that ancient braid of caravan trails stretching for more than 7,000 kilometers from China to the Mediterranean, which served as a highway not just for merchandise, but also for ideas - religious, cultural and artistic. By the 4th century AD, the Silk Road had brought Dunhuang both commercial prosperity and a growing Buddhist community. Some 25 kilometers to its south-east, at the edge of the MingshaShan or Dunes of the Singing Sands, lay a river bed bordered by a long cliff. It was here, in the year 366 AD, that a local monk set about carving out a cave for solitary meditation. Over the next thousand years, hundreds of similar caves were cut into the same rock face - to become not bare monastic cells but richly endowed and adorned shrines. The site began to decline in the 12th century, and slipped into virtual obscurity until the early years of the 20th century. Some 492 decorated caves remain to this day.

Transportation

To travel to Dunhuang, you can fly from Beijing, Lanzhou (Gansu), and Urumqi (Xinjiang), or you can take a train from Urumqi or Lanzhou to Liuyuan and then take a bus to Dunhuang. Liuyuan is 130km from Dunhuang.

By plane:
Dunhuang Airport is 13km east of the city. It has direct flights from Lanzhou, Xi´an, Beijing, Urumqi and other cities, although there are not many flights each week. Buses from the CAAC offices (09473-22389) on Dong Dajie near the Dunhuang Hotel.

By train:
Dunhuang City does not have a railway station. It relies on the Liuyuan Train Station 130km to the north for its rail traffic, all that is required is catching a bus from Liuyuan to Dunhuang. Daily, 16 trains stop at the Liuyuan Station and connect Liuyuan (and Dunhuang) with Shanghai, Beijing West Station, Xi´an, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Urumqi and many other destinations can be reached from Liuyuan.

By road:
Buses to and from Lanzhou, Xi´an, Hami, Turpan, Urumqi and other cities can be taken in Dunhuang. The bus station is on Dingzi Lu in central south Dunhuang.

City transport:
Minibuses run along fixed routes throughout Dunhuang. Taxis are also quite available and convenient. If you´d like to rent or hire vehicles for traveling around the area, then ask at your hotel or a local travel agency for options.

17 Days Splendid Silk Road & Classical Architectures and Historical Ruins Tour

Tour Code: PC11

Price from: USD 3482

Trip Overview:
Come to explore and discover the ancient and mysterious Silk Road with us in this 17 days tour. Follow us to go through China´s history by visiting the historical wonders, Buddhism temples, beautiful Chinese classical architectures and historical ruins. Experience the Moslem style weekly Great Sunday Bazaar, known as "the pearl on the Ancient Silk Road". Finish this wonderful trip by visiting the biggest and modern city Shanghai.

8 Days Silk Road Tour to Urumqi,Turpan,Dunhuang

Tour Code: PCSL08

Price from: USD 1188

Trip Overview:
Come to explore the ancient and mysterious Silk Road with us in this 8 days tour. Follow us to go through China's history by visiting the historical wonders, Buddhism temples, beautiful Chinese classical architectures and historical fortresses. Besides you can take this chance to enjoy the beautiful nature scenery in northwest China.

15 Days Special Resort Silk Road Tour

Tour Code: PCSL11

Price from: USD 0

Trip Overview:
Welcome to this classic Silk Road tour covering most of the scenic spots on the ancient Silk Road. During this tour you can not only experience the ancient and mysterious Silk Road in person, but also have good chance to enjoy the beautiful nature scenery in northwest China.