Dunhuang & Jiayuguan: 4-Day Desert & Culture Expedition

DAY 1 Arrive in Dunhuang

An experienced guide will warmly welcome you at the luggage claim area of the train station or airport, and escort you to your booked hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, they will share the city's background and key historical landmarks. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

DAY2 Mogao Caves -Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring

After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the oasis of Dunhuang along the Silk Road. Drive to Mogao Caves, where you can relax in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and listen to the professional guide share the legends behind the mysterious thousands of Buddhist caves.

Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, are located on the southeastern side of Dunhuang City. The caves were first constructed during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and the carving of the caves lasted for a thousand years, until the end of the Yuan Dynasty. They contain a large number of murals, caves, relics, and are a world-renowned site for Buddhist art. Here, visitors can admire the grand scale and rich content of the cave and mural art, and learn about the millennia-long development of Buddhism in Dunhuang through explanations and film presentations, making it a must-visit destination in Dunhuang.

Drive toMingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring,listening to the beautiful melody of the sand dunes, this name comes from this experience, and at the same timeride a camelto the hills. The panoramic view of the layered dunes inspires the wonders and mysteries of the desert andCrescent Spring below, where a lush oasis lies, and the guide will unveil its mysteries and share the conservation efforts made there.

Although water and fire have traditionally been incompatible, the Crescent Lake resides peacefully amidst this area of sand dunes. Crescent Lake is located at the foot of the Singing Sand Mountain, surrounded by sand hills. Due to the terrain, when the wind blows, the sand does not flow down the mountain but instead moves up, so Crescent Lake is never buried by sand and is praised as the "Eye of the Desert."

Enjoy a comfortable ride back to the hotel in Dunhuang.

DAY3 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan

Today, on your way to Jiayuguan, you will be captivated by the breathtaking legendaryGobi Desert, with a drive of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, you can enjoy the spectacularJiayuguan City Gate, with stories told vividly by the local guide. Hike along theSuspended Great Wall, taking you back to the time of battles and experiencing the significance of this defense system. Enter the world's largest underground art gallery - Wei and Jin Tombs mural - and admire the stunning brick murals depicting life, culture, agriculture, hunting, feasting, and attire from the period of 220 AD to 419 AD. Stroll through theJiayuguan Museum to learn more about the culture of the region from the rich exhibits on display about the national treasury.

Continuing forward, you will reach the core area on the west side. Before entering the city of Guancheng, you can first visit the Jiuyan Spring Lake on your left. The "Jiuyan Spring" is lush with water plants and has a beautiful scenery, making it a great place for ancient troops to station and raise horses, as well as a defensive spot. The current Jiuyan Spring is a shimmering expanse of blue water, clear and transparent. The beauty of the "Jiuyan Spring" lies in its tranquility, serene and undisturbed.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the booked hotel in Jiayuguan.

DAY 4 Departure from Jiayuguan

At the end of your trip, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport or train station for your next destination.