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Where is Dunhuang Located? (with Dunhuang Location Map)
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.
Dunhuang Airport, Railway Stations & Mogao Caves on Map
| Arrival Spot | Distance from Down Town | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Dunhuang Airport | 14 km | S314, Mogao Town, Dunhuang City |
| Dunhuang Station | 12 km | S314, Mogao Town, Dunhuang City |
| Liuyuan Station | 130 km | Dongda Street, Guazhou County, Jiuquan City |
| Mogao Caves | 10 km | S217, Dunhuang City |
Get to Dunhuang By Air: Best Way from China Gateway Cities to Dunhuang
| City | Airport | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | PKX, PEK | 3.5 h |
| Shanghai | PVG | 4 h |
| Chengdu | TFU | 2.5 h |
| Chongqing | CKG | 3 h |
| Xi’an | XIY | 2.5 h |
| Lanzhou | LHW | 2 h |
| Hangzhou | HGH | 4 h |
| Xining | XNN | 1h40m |
| Zhangye | YZY | 1 h |
| Urumqi | URC | 1.5 h |
First things first, the airport you'll be flying into is called Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH). Its address is Mogao Town, Dunhuang City. 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.
As we've talked about, Dunhuang is quite a distance from many of China's major cities. For example, Beijing is about 2,000 kilometers away. Because popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu are so far, flying is definitely the best and easiest way to get there from these main entry points into China.
The good news is that you can get a direct flight to Dunhuang from several big cities. These flights are usually nice and short, taking only about 1-4 hours.
If you are starting your journey from cities like Guangzhou or Shenzhen, you will likely need to make a quick transfer. Your stop will probably be in Xi'an or Lanzhou, as they are the main hubs for flights heading to Dunhuang.
A friendly tip: Some of these flights are seasonal, meaning they only run during certain times of the year. It's always a good idea to check the flight schedule in advance before you book your ticket.
Get to Dunhuang by Train: High Speed Train & Regular Train
| City | Dunhuang Station (Arrival) |
Liuyuan/Liuyuan South (Arrival) |
High Speed Train (Travel Time) |
Regular Train (Travel Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | - | √ | - | 32h 12m |
| Guangzhou | - | √ | - | 40h 29m |
| Chengdu | - | √ | - | 24h 55m |
| Chongqing | - | √ | - | 23h 54m |
| Urumqi | - | √ | 4.5h | 7-8.5h |
| Turpan | - | √ | 3.5h | 5.5-6.5h |
| Xi’an | √ | - | 11h | 22h (overnight train) |
| Lanzhou | √ | - | 7.5-8.5h | 12.5-14.5h (overnight train) |
| Zhangye | √ | - | 4.5-5.5h | 7-8h (overnight train) |
| Jiayuguan | √ | - | 2.5-3h | 4-5h |
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. And there are direct trains to Liuyuan from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu & Chongqing.
It takes about 2 hours to get from Liuyuan to Dunhuang. You can take a bus or taxi to make the trip. Let's look at this chart and figure out the best option for you.
- If you're coming from far-away cities of China, like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Chongqing,you'll notice the trains don't go directly to Dunhuang. They go to a nearby station called Liuyuan. This is a great option if you want to save money. But, be ready for a long journey!
- For mid-way cities like Xi'an and Lanzhou, The overnight train is a fantastic choice, especially if you're on a budget. You can sleep through the journey and save money on a hotel for one night.
- If you're already in a nearby city such as Jiayuguan or Zhangye, the high-speed train is absolutely the best way to go. It's super fast—you'll be there in 2-5 hours! If you're not in a rush and want to save a little extra cash, there are also regular, slower trains you can take.
- Coming from Urumqi & Turpan? The high-speed train is pretty quick, only about 4.5 hours. Just remember, after you arrive in Liuyuan, you'll still need to catch a bus or a taxi to get to the city of Dunhuang itself.
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.
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.
- Turpan: Oasis city known for the Flaming Mountains and ancient Karez water system.
| Depart City | Frequency (per day) | Duration | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an | 1 train | 11h | 523.5-838.5 |
| Lanzhou | 3 trains | 7.5-8.5h | 324-555 |
| Zhangye | 3 trains | 4.5-5.5h | 174.5-337 |
| Jiayuguan | 2 trains | 2.5-3h | 109-174 |
| Urumqi | 2 trains | 4-4.5h | 247-410 |
| Turpan | 3 trains | 3.5 h | 195.5-350 |
How to Get to Dunhuang from Main Cities in China
Beijing to Dunhuang
| Ways | Frequency (per day) | Duration | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1-6 Flights | 3.5-5 h | 450-954 |
| Train | 1 trains | 23h20m | 273.5-734.5 |
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.
| Ways | Frequency (per day) | Duration | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1-4 Flights | 4.5-6 h | 470-2220 |
| Train | 1 trains | 32h20m | 317-1577 |
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.
| Ways | Frequency (per day) | Duration | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 7-15 Flights | 2.5-3h | 250-1110 |
| Train | 7 trains | 9-20.5h | 198-860 |
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.
| Transportation | Duration | Frequency (Daily) | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1.5-2 h | 5-11 flights | 230-900 |
| High-Speed Train | 7.5-8.5 h | 3 trains | 347-555 |
| Overnight Train | 12.5-14.5 h | 5 tains | 138.5-372.5 |
| Car | 12-13 h | / | / |
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.
| Transportation | Duration | Frequency (Daily) | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 2.5 h | 5-10 flights | 430-900 |
| Train | 23h12m | 1 train | 206-556 |
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.
| Transportation | Duration | Frequency (Daily) | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1.5 h | 1-5 flights | 330-800 |
| Train | 5.5-7h | 8 train | 86-424 |
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.
| Transportation | Duration | Frequency (Daily) | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normale Train | 4.5-6 h | 10 flights | 72-358 |
| High Speed Train | 3-4h | 4 trains | 154-306 |
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.
| Transportation | Duration | Frequency (Daily) | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normale Train | 2.5-4 h | 10 flights | 43.5-238.5 |
| High Speed Train | 1.5-2h | 3 trains | 89-143 |
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.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Dunhuang, Gansu
Travel to Dunhuang with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and discover the stunning treasures of the Silk Road in Gansu, China. With years of expertise in crafting tours in Northwestern China, AOT offers a variety of customizable tour packages that cater to all types of travelers.
Tour Packages: Dunhuang Tours
Popular Attractions: Mogao Caves, Hexi Corridor
Dunhuang Travel Guide: Dunhuang Attractions, Best Time to Visit Dunhuang, Dunhuang Map
Dunhuang Transportation: How to Get to Dunhuang, Beijing to Dunhuang, Xi’an to Dunhuang, Zhangye to Dunhuang
Extend Your Trip to Gansu & Silk Road
Tour Packages: Gansu Tours, Silk Road Tours, Silk Road Group Tours, China Silk Road Tours, China Northwest Tours
Gansu Destinations: Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiayuguan
Gansu Travel: Gansu Travel Guide, Gansu Travel Tips, Gansu Maps, Gansu Attractions, How to Plan a Gansu Tour
Silk Road Travel: Silk Road Travel Guide, Silk Road Cities, Silk Road Trip Planning Guide, Silk Road Itinerary, Silk Road Attractions, Silk Road Map, Silk Road Facts
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