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Night Attractions
Top 20 Night Attractions in Dunhuang [2025]
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Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
4.6
/5
28321 reviews
8.9
From NZD 26.19
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 6.1 km from downtown
Phone 0937-8883388
Address: 6 km south of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Romantic stroll by Crescent Lake
Desert bonfire & folk show
Saved by 659 users21002 positive reviews
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This was my second time here, specifically with the kids playing in the sand. We climbed three times a day, which was definitely worth the price of admission. The concert was a lot of fun. If you arrive too late, there will be a line for the two climbing stairs. Since the concert is directly opposite the subtitles, you should choose the left-hand staircase facing the desert; you won't see the subtitles on the right. We also had a camel ride, which was fun. It lasted 30 to 40 minutes and was a great experience.
It was my first time to take my child to experience camel riding. The overall feeling was good, but it was a bit bumpy. The queue was very convenient. There were many people but the admission was fast, and the riding distance was also relatively long.
Encore Dunhuang
4.3
/5
2952 reviews
7.4
Dunhuang Airport/Dunhuang Railway Station | 8.9 km from downtown
Phone 400-1829-777
Address: West side of the digital center of Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5 hours
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Dunhuang
2208 positive reviews10K views in last month
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High cost-effectiveness, service quality exceeded expectations, highly recommended to friends who come here for tourism.
The hotel has good sound insulation, quiet and undisturbed at night, ensuring a good rest environment.
The hotel has beautiful green environment and fresh air, suitable for relaxation and leisure
The whole performance had no main plot, and I felt lonely. The first act was like a catwalk of ancient people. The second act was about Taoist Wang, which was a bit of a storyline. The third act was short and the space was small, dividing the audience into many groups. The audience was so panicked that they didn't know where to go or where to look. In the fourth act, there were finally seats... It felt chaotic, and the audience ran around like monkeys... This was my first time experiencing such a performance, and after watching it, I felt like I was watching a poetry recitation
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Ancient Sound of Dunhuang
4.7
/5
317 reviews
6.5
From NZD 70.96
Dunhuang Airport/Dunhuang Railway Station | 8.6 km from downtown
Phone 400-6666-272
Address: 甘肃省酒泉市敦煌市阳关东路7970号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-1.5 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
Highlights:
Dunhuang Caves Night Experience
Immersive Dunhuang cave art & dance
291 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The first half was an experiential parade, giving the impression that you wouldn't just stand there facing a circular screen. You could experience the passage of history and even string a pipa. The overall experience was wonderful, and the music and dance were excellent. Well worth a visit. Those with children should be aware that one of the standing statues, with its frightening face, is actually a real person and moves. Several children were frightened to tears, and adults were also startled. One woman even complained that they hadn't warned us in advance.
Freshly released immersive theater in June 2025! In the first 20 minutes, the audience slowly immersed themselves in the story along with the actors, which was very unique! The Ctrip package also gave a conspicuous bag with a pass book inside, which could be stamped for free. The children loved this kind of interaction!
No.
4
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Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Desert Camping Off-road Base (Mingmo Wild Luxury)
5.0
/5
1197 reviews
6.0
From NZD 47.15
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 6.6 km from downtown
Phone 0937-8691400
Address: 甘肃省酒泉市敦煌市鸣沙山月牙泉景区西南侧
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Silver dunes & deep night sky
Desert camping at Crescent Lake
1192 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Don't be too rushed, you need to buy tickets online in advance. If you go to watch the sunset later, the sun will be too strong. Be sure to bring a friend who is good at taking pictures with you, or spend money to find someone to follow you and take pictures, so that your trip will be twice as enjoyable!
The first time I walked into the desert, it was a completely different feeling from the green mountains and clear waters. For a southerner, I was already shocked. Hiking in the desert was a different feeling.
No.
5
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Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City
4.0
/5
37 reviews
5.9
From NZD 142.38
17.9 km from downtown
Phone 13326632868
Address: 甘肃省酒泉市敦煌市丝路遗产城
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.5 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
58% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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I didn't go sightseeing, but went into the park at 12pm to take pictures of the starry sky. The light pollution level was level 3, which was very suitable for taking pictures of the Milky Way. The result was a great success.
So I had no idea about the attraction itself, but I was very satisfied!
The starry sky here is so magical and beautiful! It's best to stay in the Starry Sky Hotel inside, where you can have dinner in the evening and quietly see the starry sky. The hotel includes tickets to the Silk Road Heritage City Scenic Area and pick-up, which is a great deal! The meal is not expensive, the boss is nice, and he also lends mobile phone holders, clothes, and electric cars for taking pictures, which makes it much more convenient to take pictures of the starry sky at night!
No.
6
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Sleeples Stwon
4.9
/5
1021 reviews
5.8
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 4.4 km from downtown
Phone 0937-6955555
Address: Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.6 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
931 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Crescent Moon Lake Town: A Millennium Legend in the Desert
On the banks of Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang, Gansu, there is a Crescent Moon Lake Town that shines like a pearl. It is a shining gem on the Silk Road and a tourist destination that tourists yearn for.
The architectural style of Crescent Moon Lake Town is unique, and the legacy of the Han and Tang Dynasties is overwhelming. The simple and elegant pavilions, the corridors with carved beams and painted buildings, every detail shows the charm of the thousand-year-old ancient city. Walking on the streets of the town, it seems to travel through time and space and return to the prosperous ancient Silk Road. On both sides of the street, there are all kinds of specialty shops. In the handicraft shops, there are exquisite replicas of Dunhuang murals, colorful silk scarves, lifelike clay sculptures, etc., which are dazzling and make people love them.
This is also a paradise for food. You can taste authentic Northwest cuisine, the aroma of red willow barbecue is overflowing, and the tender lamb sizzles on the red willow branches, exuding an attractive aroma. Paoer oil cake is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Take a bite and the sweet taste spreads in your mouth. There are also special snacks such as gray bean soup and fried elm money, each of which can immerse your taste buds in delicious enjoyment.
Crescent Moon Lake Town not only has charming architecture and food, but also has a wealth of cultural experience activities. Here, you can walk into the paper-cutting experience center and learn paper-cutting art from the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. Use a pair of scissors and a piece of red paper to cut out exquisite Dunhuang patterns. You can also create your own Dunhuang artwork in the handmade clay sculpture experience center and feel the changes of the soil at your fingertips. In addition, the sand painting experience center is also a good place not to be missed. Pour colorful sand into glass bottles to create unique sand painting works.
The natural landscape around the town is even more intoxicating. The world-famous Crescent Moon Lake in Mingsha Mountain is close at hand, and the rolling sand dunes are shining golden under the sun.
It would be a pity to go to Dunhuang and not visit Yuequan Town. There are all kinds of food and customs, especially many travel photography shops, with all kinds of clothes for you to choose from. Especially the food makes people drool, eat all kinds of food.
No.
7
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Dunhuang Celebration
4.7
/5
1578 reviews
5.8
From NZD 61.43
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 4.1 km from downtown
Phone 400-0937-883
Address: Inside Dunhuang Villa, Dunyue Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-2.5 hours
1199 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The lighting stage is absolutely stunning. A visual feast. We saw that it was a full moon that day, and the moon was perfectly integrated into the stage background. The stage will rotate, and you can see the interior from the outside.
Don't buy tickets on Ctrip. The hotel or taxi driver can help you buy tickets, with discounts and round-trip transportation.
Some people say that seeing Dunhuang again is good, but we prefer this show. The experience is good, sitting outside, it is quite cool at night, and there is no need to squeeze in with people. The plot is simple, suitable for tourists like us who watch performances for entertainment rather than education.
The performance is a scene-based one, and the theater facilities are very novel, combining historical events and legends from various periods. The plot is average, but it is not a pity not to watch it. There are many similar performances in Dunhuang. Whether to watch it depends on personal preference.
No.
8
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Mingsha Mountain
4.6
/5
185 reviews
5.7
Based on 453 reviews
15.4 km from downtown
Address: 6 km south of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.8 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
Highlights:
The wonder of Crescent Lake, a desert oasis
Ride a camel across the desert to experience the Silk Road
170 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Honestly, Mingsha Mountain is absolutely stunning!
You might not be impressed by the name, but once you get there, you'll realize how soft the sand is. Your feet sink into pits, and climbing up takes quite a bit of effort. But once you reach the top and look down, wow, a vast expanse of golden sand dunes undulates, like windswept waves. Especially in the evening, as the sun sets, the entire mountain is bathed in a warm yellow. Any photo you take is a wallpaper-worthy photo.
The most fascinating thing is the sound of the sand. Every time you move your feet, it rustles. Sometimes, when there are a lot of people walking together, the sound is quite rhythmic. No wonder it's called "Mingsha Mountain." Coming down is even more exhilarating. You can slide down the slope, the sand rustling down. It's both thrilling and relaxing.
Oh, and you can even ride camels! A line of camels marches through the desert, their bells jingling. It feels like you've been transported to an ancient caravan. It's truly fascinating.
Anyway, you will definitely not regret going there, just remember to wear sunscreen, otherwise your skin will suffer after being in the sun for a whole day!
In the morning, I came to Mingsha Mountain with anticipation. From a distance, the rolling sand dunes are like golden waves, layer upon layer, straight into the sky, making people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Stepping onto Mingsha Mountain, there is soft and fine yellow sand under my feet, and every step leaves deep footprints. I climbed up along the winding mountain road, and the sun shone on the sand, flashing dazzling light. Although the climbing process was a bit strenuous, the scenery along the way made me intoxicated. The breeze blew, and the sand flowed gently, making a subtle "rustling" sound, as if whispering, adding a bit of agility to this silent desert.
Standing on the top of the mountain, the view suddenly became clear. The Crescent Spring in the distance flickered quietly in the embrace of the sand dunes, like a crescent moon, clear and mysterious. I took a deep breath, feeling the tranquility and grandeur of the desert, and my heart was filled with shock and awe.
When I went down the mountain, I chose sandboarding. Sitting on the sandboard, sliding down the sand dunes, the speed is getting faster and faster, the wind whistles in my ears, and the sand splashes under my body. It is exciting and fun. I still want to slide to the foot of the mountain.
The trip to Mingsha Mountain made me appreciate the majesty and beauty of the desert, and also made me feel the magical charm of nature. This is an unforgettable journey.
No.
9
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Shazhou Night Market
4.2
/5
327 reviews
5.3
Shazhou Market | 603m from downtown
Phone 0937-8829852
Address: Yangguan Middle Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Lanterns & lights adorn night
Diverse Dunhuang sand art crafts
125 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Dunhuang night market is very lively, full of fireworks, surrounded by restaurants, food stalls, diners are happy; the central area gathers local flavors, the aroma is overflowing, it is mouth-watering. In addition, there are a wide range of small commodities, full of regional characteristics. I went at ten o'clock in the evening, with a crowded crowd and shoulders. Friends who like to experience the fireworks in the city, shopping and eating, must not miss this feast full of the northwest style!
Dunhuang Night Market
It is very lively. Because of the sunshine, it gets dark very late. The night market here starts at 8:30. There are many choices of food, with distinctive characteristics and a strong Western atmosphere.
There are also many small accessories, which are dazzling and dazzling. It is still a bit crowded to walk from one end to the other, so please take care of your personal belongings.
It is recommended not to drive, I am afraid that there will be no place to stop after driving for a long time.
No.
10
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qian shou qian yan
4.8
/5
36 reviews
4.9
From NZD 70.96
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 4.3 km from downtown
Address: 甘肃省敦煌市文博东路2713号
98% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The following are some positive comments about the performance of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes. You can choose and modify them according to the actual situation:
1. This performance of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes is the pinnacle of art! The dancers showed the mystery and solemnity of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes with superb skills and agile postures. Every movement seemed to tell an ancient story, which was intoxicating.
2. The performance of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes brought me an unprecedented shock! The stage effect is magnificent, and the music and dance are perfectly integrated, making people feel as if they are in a dreamy fairyland. The actors' dedication and professionalism are even more admirable. This is an audio-visual feast not to be missed!
3. The performance of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes is really wonderful! It not only shows a high level of artistic level, but also conveys profound cultural connotations. Every detail has been carefully crafted, which makes people feel the dedication and sincerity of the creative team. It is definitely worth seeing!
4. This performance of Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes is breathtaking! The actors used ever-changing gestures and graceful postures to interpret the compassion and power of the Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes. The whole performance was full of appeal, which cleansed and sublimated the hearts of the audience.
5. The Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes performance is undoubtedly an artistic carnival! The wonderful dance choreography, dreamlike stage setting and shocking music together create an unforgettable art world. It gave me a deeper understanding and love for art.
6. Watching the Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes performance is an extremely wonderful experience. The actors' performances are delicate and subtle, integrating emotions into the performance.
The artists of the performance team used rich and exquisite artistic vocabulary and the emotional power of boundless love to present to the audience a visual feast with distinctive Dunhuang characteristics, profound humanistic feelings and unique artistic aesthetics.
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