Dunhuang Mogao Caves

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Spot Introduction

The Dunhuang Mogao Caves, initially built in the second year of Jianyuan during the Pre-Qin period (366 AD), were first excavated by the monk Le Zun. Through continuous construction spanning the Sixteen Kingdoms, Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Xixia, and Yuan, they have become a treasure house of art integrating architecture, sculpture, and wall paintings. With 735 existing caves, 45,000 square meters of wall paintings, and 2,415 painted sculptures, it is the world’s largest and most content-rich Buddhist art sanctuary.

The artistic achievements of the Mogao Caves are world-renowned. The wall paintings cover a wide range of topics, including Buddhist stories, sutra illustrations, and donor figures, showcasing the diverse cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. The painted sculptures, ranging from the 34-meter-high Maitreya Buddha to small statues just 10 centimeters in size, are all vivid and lifelike. The caves feature various architectural styles, such as the central tower pillar and the overhanging vault, reflecting the wisdom of ancient architectural art.

As a World Cultural Heritage site, the preservation of the Mogao Caves is highly valued. Since the 1940s, the Dunhuang Research Institute has been conducting systematic protection and research work. In recent years, through digital technology, more than 200 caves have been digitally captured, and a “Digital Dunhuang” resource library has been established, allowing more people to appreciate this artistic treasure.

Visiting the Mogao Caves is a cultural journey through time. Visitors first watch high-definition films at the Digital Exhibition Center to learn about the history and artistic value of the Mogao Caves. Then, they are guided by professional interpreters to visit 8-12 open caves. To protect the cultural relics, photography is prohibited inside the caves, and the daily visitor count is limited. Reservations are recommended.

The Mogao Caves are not only a palace of Buddhist art but also a testament to the civilization of the ancient Silk Road.

Spot Introduction

It documents the history of cultural exchanges between China and the West, demonstrates the extraordinary wisdom of ancient craftsmen, and stands as a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation and a shared cultural heritage of all humanity.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Digital Exhibition Center

    • High-definition films
    • Digital caves
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  2. Boutique Caves

    • Representative caves
    • Classic wall paintings
    • Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes

  3. Jiulouceng (Nine-story Tower)

    • Iconic building
    • Viewing platform
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

  4. Mogao Caves Museum

    • Cultural relics exhibition
    • Historical introduction
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Optimal Touring Route

    • Digital Center → Caves
    • Museum → Jiulouceng (Nine-story Tower)
    • Visit according to the预约time

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Digital exhibition in the morning
    • Cave exploration in the afternoon
    • Avoid noon hours

  3. Practical Tips

    • Make reservations in advance
    • No photography allowed
    • Protect cultural relics

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Dunhuang Airport
  • Train: Dunhuang Station
  • Bus: No. 3 tourist line
  • Self-drive: 25 kilometers from the city center
  1. Donkey meat yellow noodles
  2. Dunhuang ramen
  3. Apricot peel water
  4. Desert pear

Special Reminders

  1. Make reservations in advance.
  2. No photography allowed.
  3. Protect cultural relics.
  4. Dress appropriately.
  5. Sun protection is essential.
  6. Bring drinking water.
  7. Join a tour group.
  8. Be mindful of time.