Dunhuang — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Dunhuang.
The Silk Road's greatest treasure — Mogao grottoes, singing sand dunes and Crescent Lake in the Gobi.
🍜 Signature dishes in Dunhuang
- 驴肉黄面Donkey Meat Noodles
- 敦煌酿皮Dunhuang Liangpi
- 羊肉粉汤Lamb Soup Noodles
- 胡羊焖饼Hu Lamb Stew
- 杏皮水Apricot Drink
- 李广杏Li Guang Apricot
- 鸣沙大枣Mingsha Jujube
- 羊肉串Lamb Skewers
- 沙葱炒蛋Sand Onion Eggs
- 泡儿油糕Pao'er Cake
🎟️ Top things to do
- Mogao Caves
UNESCO grottoes, book ahead
- Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
Dunes & oasis
- Yardang National Park
Wind-carved 'devil city', 2h drive
- Yumen Pass
Silk Road frontier gate
- Shazhou Night Market
Silk Road snacks
- Gobi lamb feast
Lamb noodles & skewers
- Yangguan Pass
Ancient western frontier gate
- Western Thousand Buddha Caves
Lesser-known grottoes
- Again Dunhuang Show
Immersive Silk Road performance
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Dunhuang?
Take the metro or a taxi from DNH (Dunhuang) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Dunhuang on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Dunhuang. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Dunhuang visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (DNH (Dunhuang)) · verify with official sources before travel.