How to Get to Dunhuang & Mogao Caves: By Air, Train & Road (2025 Guide)

Where is Dunhuang Located?

Dunhuang is a captivating city in northwestern China, nestled in Gansu Province at the edge of the Gobi Desert. It's about 2,000 kilometers from Beijing, making it a long but rewarding journey. From Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu, Dunhuang is approximately 1,100 kilometers away. This historic city sits along the ancient Silk Road and is renowned for the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, Dunhuang offers a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.

Get to Dunhuang By Air

Dunhuang has its own airport: Dunhuang Mogao International Airport. You can find direct flights to Dunhuang from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Chengdu and Urumqi. These flights are usually short, taking about 2 to 3 hours. If you're flying from Guangzhou or Shenzhen, you might need to transfer in Xi'an or Lanzhou, which are key hubs for reaching Dunhuang. Some flights are seasonal, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.

Once you arrive at Dunhuang Airport, the city center is just about 13 kilometers(7 miles) away. You can easily reach your destination by taxi or airport shuttle, which takes around 20-30 minutes.

Get to Dunhuang by Train

Dunhuang now has two train stations: Dunhuang Railway Station and Liuyuan Railway Station. Dunhuang Railway Station is the main one, just about 10 kilometers from the city center, and it's likely where you'll arrive. Most high-speed trains Lanzhou, and Xi'an stop here.

On the other hand, Liuyuan Railway Station is about 130 kilometers(81 miles) from Dunhuang and serves trains from northwestern cities like Urumqi and Turpan. It takes about 2 hours to get from Liuyuan to Dunhuang. You can take a bus or taxi to make the trip.

Tips:

If you find there's no direct train to Dunhuang, consider taking a train to Liuyuan instead. For example, there are direct trains to Liuyuan from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Get to Dunhuang by High Speed-Train

There are many high-speed trains to Dunhuang, primarily from key cities in Gansu like Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Xi'an. Trains also run from the north, including Urumqi and Turpan, to Liuyuan, which is near Dunhuang. If you're traveling from these cities and want to visit Dunhuang, consider taking a high-speed train.

High Speed Trains to Dunhuang:

• Xi'an: Gateway city with rich history, offering easy access to the Silk Road.
• Lanzhou: Connects to major Silk Road attractions.
• Zhangye: Known for the colorful Danxia Landform.
• Jiayuguan: Features the western end of the Great Wall.
• Urumqi: Capital of Xinjiang, providing access to diverse landscapes.

How to Get to Dunhuang from Main Cities in China

Beijing to Dunhuang

The distance between Beijing and Dunhuang is approximately 2,278 kilometers (or 1,414 miles), similar to the trip from London to Rome. Flying is the quickest option, with a flight duration of about 3.5 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a train journey, which takes about 24 hours, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the views. If direct routes aren't available, consider transferring in Xi'an or Lanzhou.

Shanghai to Dunhuang

Shanghai is another popular entry point in China, with many international flights from the US, Europe, and Africa. Traveling from Shanghai to Dunhuang covers about 3,075 kilometers. Both flying and taking the train are popular options. Flights take around 4-6 hours, while trains to Liuyuan South Station take about 32.5 hours.

Xi'an to Dunhuang

Xi'an is a key hub for traveling to Dunhuang. As the starting point of the Silk Road, it's about 1,717 kilometers to Dunhuang. There are 7-15 flights daily from Xi'an, taking about 2.5 hours, making it the fastest option. Additionally, 7 trains run daily from Xi'an Station/Xi'an North to Liuyuan South Station, taking around 9 to 20.5 hours.

Lanzhou to Dunhuang

Lanzhou is seen as the go-to starting point for trips to Dunhuang, which is about 1,100 kilometers away. There are plenty of ways to travel between the two spots.

To travel from Lanzhou to Dunhuang, you have several options. Flights are the quickest, taking 1.5 to 2 hours, with 5-11 flights daily, costing between 230-900 RMB. If you prefer trains, high-speed options take 7.5 to 8.5 hours, with three trains daily, priced at 347-555 RMB. For a more relaxed journey, overnight trains take 12.5 to 14.5 hours, with five trains available daily, costing 138.5-372.5 RMB. Driving by car takes about 12-13 hours. Each option provides a unique way to experience the route to the historic city of Dunhuang.

Chengdu to Dunhuang

When heading from the adorable panda city to Dunhuang, you can cover the 1954 kilometers in 2.5 to 23.5 hours. The quickest way is by taking a flight from Chengdu to Dunhuang, which only takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, there's a train from Chengdu to Liuyuan that runs daily from Chengdu West Station to Liuyuan South Station, but that journey takes around 23.5 hours.

Turpan to Dunhuang

As neighboring key cities on the Silk Road, it actually takes about 800 kilometers to travel from Turpan to Dunhuang. The most popular ways to travel are by plane and train. Flying from Turpan to Dunhuang only takes around 1.5 hours. On the other hand, taking the train from Turpan North Station to Liuyuan Station and Liuyuan South Station typically takes about 5.5 to 7 hours.

Zhangye to Dunhuang

As the two most significant tourist cities in Gansu Province, the distance from Zhangye to Dunhuang is 612 kilometers. You can take the high-speed train from Zhangye to Dunhuang or follow the Silk Road's path by road, which takes approximately 6 hours. There are no direct flights from Zhangye to Dunhuang.

Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

Jiayuguan to Dunhuang is another key tourist route in Gansu Province, spanning about 385 kilometers in total. Travelers can opt for the high-speed or regular train from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, which is the most common way between the two cities and typically takes around 1.5 to 4 hours. You can also journey by road, enjoying the beauty of the Gobi Desert and passing by several historical sites along the Silk Road. This road trip usually takes about 4 to 5 hours.

How to Get to Mogao Caves from Dunhuang

Heading from Dunhuang to the enchanting Mogao Grottoes is an adventure that promises to be as unforgettable as the destination itself. This UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its exquisite Buddhist art spanning over a thousand years, is located about 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang. It's easily accessible and well worth a short trip.

To visit the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, you should first make your way to the Digital Exhibition Center, situated approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. You can take Bus 2 or Bus 3, or opt for a taxi ride, which will take around 20-40 minutes to reach your destination.

After enjoying two fascinating films at the Digital Exhibition Center of the Mogao Grottoes, you can then board a shuttle bus from there to travel to the grottoes area for exploration. It's about 17 kilometers from the digital exhibition center, taking around 20-30 minutes to reach, where you can begin your tour of the precious caves.

How to Get Around Dunhuang

Dunhuang, a city nestled in the Gobi Desert, offers a unique blend of ancient history and stunning landscapes. Navigating this city is quite easy, thanks to various transportation options.

1. Public Transportation:

Buses: Dunhuang has a reliable bus network that connects the city center to popular tourist attractions like the Mogao Caves, Crescent Moon Spring, and Yumen Pass. Buses are affordable and a great way to experience local life.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available and a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or carrying luggage. Haggling is common, so be prepared to negotiate the fare.

2. Organized Tours:

Joining an organized tour is a convenient way to explore Dunhuang and its surrounding attractions. These tours often include transportation, a guided visit to the Mogao Caves, and other popular destinations.

How to Plan a Dunhuang Tour

Planning a trip to Dunhuang offers a splendid opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of history and nature. Allow yourself 1-3 days to immerse in the essence of this iconic Silk Road oasis. A single day is perfect to cover the essentials: the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, and Crescent Lake, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's cultural and natural landscapes.

If you have additional time, consider exploring further afield to the Yumen Pass, Yangguan, and the Yadan National Geopark for more adventurous pursuits.

Here is a 3-days Dunhuang travel itinerary you can refer to:

Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang

Day 2: Explore Dunhuang - Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient Buddhist art. Also, experience the singing sands at Mingsha Mountain and the picturesque Crescent Lake.

Day 3: Dunhuang Adventures - Spend the day exploring the Yadan National Geopark, Yumen Pass, and the remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, immersing yourself in the vast landscapes and historical sites.

Extend Your Dunhuang Trip to Gansu & China Silk Road

Gansu (6-8 Days)

• Lanzhou: Spend 1-2 days in the provincial capital. Here, you can enjoy its vibrant waterfront and delve into local history at the city's museums, providing a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.
• Zhangye: Allocate 1-2 days to experience the geological wonders at the Danxia National Geopark. The park is famous for its colorful rock formations, offering spectacular views that are unlike any other.
• Jiayuguan: Dedicate 1-2 days to explore this historical city, known for the Jiayuguan Fort. This site represents the westernmost gate of the Ming dynasty's Great Wall and offers a fascinating insight into China's ancient military architecture and history.

Xinjiang & Qinghai

• Explore Xinjiang (7-8 Days): Enhance your itinerary with a 7-8 day exploration of Xinjiang. Begin in Urumqi, where bustling bazaars offer a taste of urban Xinjiang life. Then travel to Turpan, an ancient city rich with history, before heading to the multicultural bazaars of Kashgar. Venture further to the remote Tashkurgan, and cap off your journey with the stunning natural beauty of Kanas Lake, each destination offering its own unique cultural and scenic experiences.
• Visit Xining, Qinghai (1-3 Days): If your schedule permits, add 1-3 days to explore Xining in Qinghai Province. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visit the revered Kumbum Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and enjoy the tranquil Qinghai Lake, both providing a peaceful and spiritual experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.