Mogao Grottoes

'The Journey to the Mogao Caves: A Soul-Stirring Passage Through Time' Stepping onto the journey towards the Mogao Caves, my heart was filled with anticipation and reverence. When I finally stood on this ancient and sacred land, an indescribable sense of awe overwhelmed me. Entering the caves felt like stepping into a tunnel through time. The mottled stone walls bore exquisite murals that came to life, narrating stories of a thousand years. The compassionate faces of Bodhisattvas and the dynamic figures of flying apsaras appeared faintly in the dim light, exuding a mysterious and enchanting aura. Every line, every shade of color, was the crystallization of ancient artists' wisdom and painstaking effort, making me marvel at the greatness of human artistic creativity. Moving along the narrow passageways, one cave after another unfolded before my eyes. Each cave had its unique style and theme, some solemn and dignified, others vibrant and colorful. Standing before these colossal Buddha statues, I felt my own insignificance, yet I was also touched by the endless solemnity and tranquility. Immersed in such an atmosphere, my heart gradually became calm and peaceful. Inside the caves, the profound sense of history was ever-present. Those artistic treasures that have survived the ravages of time deepened my understanding and appreciation of ancient civilizations. They are not just artworks; they are vital testimonies to the legacy of human culture. Stepping out of the caves, the sunlight fell upon me, yet my thoughts remained immersed in that magical world of art. The visit to the Mogao Caves was a feast for both the eyes and the soul. It gave me a new insight into history and art and instilled in me a greater appreciation and reverence for our cultural heritage. It was an unforgettable experience that will forever be etched in my memory.

1⃣ Because of the May Day trip to the Hexi Corridor, I could only drive all the way on the highway, watching the signs of familiar places pass by. Although I entered Dunhuang, I could only stay in a hotel for one night and was escorted to the airport by a special car the next day to be persuaded to return. It was like trying hard to catch up with the girl who had never met but had long admired. I was just one step away from tapping her shoulder and getting a look back at her beauty, but all I got was an increasingly unforgettable back. 2⃣ Although there are many descriptions of the history, art, and guardians of the Mogao Caves in the Hexi Corridor, Dunhuang, and the Dunhuang School of Painting, when I really came to her, the feeling she gave me was not shock, but touch. Under such circumstances, the outside troubles of the cave become insignificant. These four short days are just a meeting with her, and I will definitely come many more times. 3⃣ PS The experience of Dunhuang in the off-season is not too good, everywhere is VIP

Shanghai-Jiayuguan-Guazhou-Dunhuang-Lenghu Town-Chaidan Town-Dunhuang-Jiayuguan-Shanghai Day1 Shanghai to Jiayuguan, stay in Jiayuguan Arrived in Jiayuguan at night, had dinner and went to sleep, the barbecue in the great Northwest is awesome! Day2 Jiayuguan-Guazhou-Dunhuang, stay in Dunhuang The second day after brunch, we headed to Dunhuang, passing through Guazhou, where there is the stunning Son of the Earth! It's that huge baby statue, with some other sculptures nearby, worth a look on the way In the afternoon, we went to the Mingsha Mountain, where you can ride camels. And I was so excited to see the desert for the 1st time, took hundreds of photos! In the evening, we arranged for desert camping, the camp staff drove us into the depths of the desert in an off-road vehicle, there were no people in this desert, less than ten people at the camp that day, the whole desert felt like it belonged to me, sitting on the desert watching the sunset was really romantic, I personally like it here more than Mingsha Mountain At night, we had barbecue in the desert, watched the stars, and had a bonfire party. It was a night worth reminiscing over and over again🎑 🤍Day3 Dunhuang-Heidushan, stay in Lenghu Town In the morning, we went to the Mogao Caves, a glimpse of a thousand years❗️ A treasure of stone carving and mural art‼️ Really shocking! It made me want to cry, no amount of documentaries can compare to the feeling of being there It's really worth it‼️ Unfortunately, all the murals are not allowed to be photographed, so the beauty remains only in memory. After visiting the Mogao Caves, we set off for Heidushan. Heidushan has that otherworldly beauty, standing on the black sand and stone ground, looking at the black scenery, it feels like being on another planet. The wind is very strong there, so dress warmly. It is recommended to drive a four-wheel drive, otherwise, it's easy to get stuck. 🤍Day4 Heidushan-Bicolor Lake-Water Yadan-Dongtaijiner Lake, stay in Chaidan Town Bicolor Lake was just a casual stop along the way, the actual color difference is not as obvious as online, no need to go out of the way to see it. Water Yadan is beautiful, with unique landforms, and the scenic area is large, you can find areas with fewer people to take photos. Very photogenic Dongtaijiner Lake💦, is a bit like Chaka Salt Lake, you can choose to visit just one of them. 🤍Day5 Dachaidan Emerald Lake-Aseke Oil Town-Dunhuang, stay in Dunhuang Dachaidan is super beautiful, can't help but marvel at the magic of nature, suitable for aerial photography. It's also particularly cold and windy, I wore a down jacket and still felt cold Aseke Oil Town was also on the way, it has a bit of an American West feel, quite photogenic. 🤍Day6 Dunhuang-Jiayuguan✈️Shanghai 【Northwest Travel Tips】 ➡️The temperature changes greatly, bring both light and heavy clothes, it's 30 degrees in Dunhuang, but it's cold even with a down jacket in Qinghai. ➡️Rent a drone‼️Many of the landscapes in the Northwest can't show their beauty without a drone‼️ Wish everyone a happy journey😀

When the Hexi Corridor of a thousand years ago collides with contemporary science and technology🚀, what kind of sparks🔥 will it produce from Lanzhou to Zhangye, to Jiuquan, to Jiayuguan, and then to Dunhuang This time, it will be a journey across a thousand years to marvel at the development of technology and taste deep humanities~ 💕Space is the most romantic existence, but most people have not come into contact with real space objects, they all know a little bit from various online reports This time, we can walk the Hexi Corridor of a thousand years together, explore the 🌌 space dream and have your unique Hexi Corridor and space memories, and find your stars and sea✨ . 👣Quick look at the itinerary Lanzhou gathering—Lanzhou free travel Lanzhou—Colorful Danxia—Zhangye Zhangye—Jiayuguan—Overhanging Great Wall—Jiuquan Jiuquan—Space Launch Center—Jiayuguan Jiayuguan—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Dunhuang Bookstore—Dismiss —— 💖Highlights of the itinerary ✅Exclusive arrangement for Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center 1 day 🔅Explore China's only manned space launch site 🔅Manned space launch tower (manned space starts here) 🔅Wentian Pavilion (the place where astronauts live and train) 🔅Exhibition hall (feel the spirit of two bombs and one star, manned space and Dongfeng) 🔅Feitian Park (feel the storm rocket, spaceship escape tower and other real objects) ✅Dunhuang Mogao Caves 12 caves + 1 special cave (156 special caves) In the off-season, in addition to being able to see 4 more caves than forgetting, we have also specially arranged a special cave to check in the upcoming "Dunhuang Hero" and the legendary story of the returning army👍 ✅Jiayuguan is arranged for separate manual explanation, no longer a cursory view, understand the story of every brick and tile of Jiayuguan and the repairs of the past dynasties ✅Overhanging Great Wall, the Overhanging Great Wall is a long distance from Jiayuguan, and it is rarely visited in the past itinerary, so it is specially arranged to deeply feel the history and culture ✅Dunhuang Bookstore afternoon tea🍵In the Dunhuang Bookstore with Dunhuang's unique elements and a strong bookish atmosphere, have a cup of special 1900 coffee and immerse yourself in the charm of Dunhuang culture and art —— 📜Classic humanities —The treasure of a thousand years of cultural art, even after a thousand years, the murals made from gemstone powder are still brightly colored —The first majestic pass in the world, the starting point of the Great Wall🚩 Overhanging Great Wall —It looks like it is hanging in the air, it is located on the Black Mountain, standing on it, you can see the desolate scenery of the desert Satellite Launch Center —The "cradle" of China's🛰 space —— 🏞Natural landscape Colorful Danxia —The white snow in winter and the colorful Danxia blend into one, which has a different desolate mood Mountain Crescent Spring —Look at the snow scene love letter written by nature to Mingsha Mountain, look at the frozen Crescent Spring🏜 —— 🏨Selected quality accommodation ✓1 night Lanzhou Hilton Huanpeng ✓1 night Zhangye Fuldeng Hot Spring Holiday Hotel ✓1 night Jiuquan Silk Road Wenhua Holiday Hotel ✓2 nights Dunhuang Huaxia International Hotel

The Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, where a single glance spans a thousand years. Tickets are extremely scarce during the peak season, so be sure to book in advance. Guides are assigned randomly, and listening to their explanations is very exciting, especially the Buddha statue in Cave 259 that has smiled for 1600 years. In the future, you can visit the Mogao Caves in winter when there are fewer people. You can see more caves, and unlike spring, there is not as much wind and sand.

Main itinerary: Dunhuang-Zhangye-Lanzhou Now Gansu is overall in the off-season for tourism, the climate is not very stable, some areas still have snow, and the vegetation has not really sprouted. Locals say it will be more comfortable starting from late April (but there are also fewer people during the off-season) Day1 Shanghai-Lanzhou-Dunhuang✈️ Transferring at Lanzhou Airport is quite convenient, meal vouchers are provided, p2 is beef noodles and apricot peel tea ordered at Anboer (the egg was brought by myself), it is recommended to add another portion of beef. p3-5 are taken on the way from Lanzhou to Dunhuang, very spectacular, strongly suggest not to sleep on this part of the flight Day2 Mogao Caves➕Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 📍Mogao Caves I decided to come to Gansu at this time for the off-season discounts of Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain, but now (after April 1) the promotion has ended, 280 yuan to see 8 caves, Mingsha Mountain also returned to the original price. External vehicles can only drive to the Digital Center, where you use your ID card to get tickets, watch two movies (the second one is on a spherical screen, very impressive) then take the scenic area bus to Mogao Caves. You need to queue up and follow the guide into the caves for a visit, each group's route is random. Note that photography is not allowed inside the caves‼️ The visit takes about two hours, if interested, you can buy tickets for special caves, or follow other groups to see the ordinary caves you missed. There is also a museum outside the Mogao Caves worth visiting, and finally take the bus back to the Digital Center to return to the city. 📍Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring You can see Mingsha Mountain (p9) from the city. It's cheaper to buy shoe covers outside the scenic area, but they don't seem to be very useful as the sand gets everywhere... Fortunately, the sand is very fine and does not hurt your feet. You can ride camels here, but you can't walk to the top of the mountain, you have to walk up to see Crescent Spring. It is strongly recommended to climb the sand dunes using the ladder (p11), otherwise, it will be very tiring. Even with the ladder, there is a steep section where you need to use hands and feet (I was very scared at the time), it took me about ten minutes to climb up, overall ok. It is recommended to start climbing one hour before sunset, there is about a two-hour time difference between Dunhuang and the East China region, it will not get dark until around eight o'clock. 📍Shazhou Night Market A place selling various souvenirs. You can also check out Lanzhou Lane nearby, it might be cheaper. 🏨Near Shazhou Night Market Dunhuang city area is very small, staying near Shazhou Night Market is convenient. 🚘Transportation There is a bus right outside the airport that takes you to the city center, 10 yuan per person. Taxis in Dunhuang are very convenient, they are almost instantly booked, and there is a high proportion of female drivers, so it is very safe for girls to come here alone. You can take bus number 3 to Mingsha Mountain from the city center. 🛍️Outfit The wind at Mingsha Mountain is a bit strong, it's best to wear a hat and a windbreaker. The sun in Dunhuang is quite strong, pay attention to sun protection and moisturizing. 🍜Eat Ga Liu Lamb Recommended signature lamb and braised lamb with bread, apricot peel tea is also good. Beisong Ice Boiled Lamb (p13) The taste is okay but a bit expensive. Si Lu Apricot Peel Tea (p14) Ordered the iced rose fermented rice drink, incredibly delicious! Missed it dearly after leaving Dunhuang pps The people in Dunhuang are very friendly and enthusiastic, the service attitude is comparable to Haidilao, rarely seen elsewhere

There are 735 caves preserved in the Mogao Grottoes to date, with more than 270 caves featuring Feitian, totaling over four thousand five hundred figures. Through the evolution of Feitian images over the dynasties, one can see the integration and development of Indian culture, Western Regions culture, and Central Plains culture. Feitian is the calling card of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, imbued with rich imagination. The early Feitian represented people's liberation from the traditional Confucian constraints since the Han and Wei dynasties, embodying their longing and pursuit of freedom. Cave 272's western wall on the south side features a Bodhisattva Feitian listening to the law, belonging to the early Northern Liang Feitian of Dunhuang, which adopted the Western Regions' halo dyeing technique, consistent with the murals in the Kizil Grottoes. Cave 285 is a Western Wei grotto, known as the 'Pantheon with Buddhism as the main body.' On each side, there is a flying Apsaras beast, shaped like a heavenly horse. On both sides of the Feitian, there is a beast-headed human-bodied thunder god, tapping a circle of connected drums. From the Western Wei to the Sui Dynasty, it was known as the innovative period of Dunhuang Feitian. The Feitian inside niche 285 adopts the Western Wei's Central Plains style of painting, emphasizing the portrayal of line drawing, while the form and dynamics have the characteristics of the Central Plains style, but the painting technique is Western Regions style. By the middle and late Sui Dynasty, the Feitian had already shed the robust and rounded style introduced from India, becoming more graceful and nimble.

The story of the Mogao Caves carries the weight of history, just like those murals, where one layer covers an earlier one, sculpted by the long passage of time, with hardships and devotion. The Scripture Cave 16-17 is a definite part of the visit. The story of the Scripture Cave is well-known; this small cave contains tens of thousands of precious scrolls and artifacts. A century ago, a Taoist priest named Wang accidentally discovered it, which also marked the beginning of the Mogao Caves' tumultuous fate of being plundered. Visiting the Mogao Caves, one can always feel the slight tremors of different historical periods resonating with you at this moment. The intricate caissons, the Thousand Buddha frescoes that have oxidized to a black visage, the solemn statues, and the unique colors of the Mogao Caves can only be captured with the eyes and memory, and cannot simply be taken away with a camera. During the dome movie, a middle-aged man traveling alone sat in the front row, needing to lean back slightly to see the entire screen. After the movie ended and everyone got up, it was discovered that he had entered into a dream, eliciting chuckles from the people around. The experience of visiting the Mogao Caves is similar to that moment, like a dream truly realized. I wonder if his dream also included apsaras flying around. Travel Tips: 1. The Mogao Caves enter the off-season in winter from December 1 to March 31, with tickets priced at 140 yuan, allowing the visit of 12 caves, which is very worthwhile. During the peak season, tickets are divided into Class A and Class B, with Class A including 8 caves, and Class B without the movie, totaling 4 caves. 2. The ticket prices for both off-peak and peak seasons include two digital movies and a round-trip shuttle to the Mogao Caves (Class B does not include the movie during peak season). The visiting process is fixed; you need to first arrive at the Dunhuang Digital Exhibition Center to exchange tickets, watch two movies, and then be divided into small groups of about 20 people, led by a guide to visit the caves, which specific caves to visit is not fixed. 3. The two digital movies are 'Millennium Mogao' and 'Fantasy Buddha Palace'. The first one briefly outlines the history of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, while the second is a dome movie that displays the cave scenes in a surround format, making you feel as if you are there, with murals and statues seemingly within reach. 4. After the entire visit, you can reserve a special cave visit within the Mogao Caves scenic area, each cave costing between 150-200 yuan, and which specific cave you can visit depends on the actual opening situation. 5. Photography is not allowed inside the caves, and there are 8 replica caves in the Dunhuang Grottoes Cultural Relics Protection Research Exhibition Center within the scenic area, where photography is also not allowed. (These are replicas of caves 003, 217, 276, 419, 285, 249, 275, and Yulin Cave 29) Although they are replicas, they are also very much worth seeing.

In this hot 🥵 summer, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on an exciting journey to the Northwest.🤔 The Northwest, a place full of mystery and magnificent natural scenery, has always been a place we yearn for. This trip, we set foot on this vast land with curiosity about the unknown and reverence for nature.🥳🥳 🌈【Must-Visit Attractions】 ⭐Zhangye Danxia Landform: This is one of the most spectacular colorful Danxia landforms on Earth. The layers of rocks are colorful, like God's overturned palette, making people marvel. ⭐Mogao Caves: Located in Dunhuang, the Mogao Caves are a World Cultural Heritage site with thousands of caves and murals, a treasure trove for studying ancient Chinese history and art. ⭐Jiayuguan: This majestic pass is an important passage on the ancient Silk Road and the western starting point of the Great Wall, witnessing historical changes and military significance. ⭐Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Ride a camel in the desert, climb the dunes, feel the fine sand and the magic of the singing sand, then sit quietly by the Crescent Spring and enjoy a touch of tranquility in the desert. ✅【Route Arrangement】 D1 Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town D2 Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan D3 Dachaidan - 315 U-shaped Highway - Water Yadan - Nanbaxian Devil City - Dachaidan D4 Dachaidan - Heidushan - Dangjin Mountain - Oil Town - Dunhuang D5 Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang D6 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia - Zhangye D7 Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan - Xining ‼【Precautions】‼ 1. The Northwest region has strong sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night. Bring sunscreen and suitable clothing. 2. Due to the high altitude in some areas, be aware of altitude sickness and prepare your body in advance. 3. Protect the environment, respect local culture and customs, and do not touch ancient relics and murals casually. 4. Carry enough water and dry food with you, especially in desert areas, to maintain hydration and energy supply.

The Hexi Corridor has been a major transportation route connecting the Central Plains of China with the Western Regions since ancient times. It is a core area where various ethnic groups have continuously clashed and integrated, leaving a large number of cultural heritages and cultural tourism resources. Experiencing the rich and colorful multiculturalism of the Chinese nation is a treasure trove for understanding cultural differences between different ethnic groups. At the same time, it is also a living textbook for understanding the formation, integration and development of the Chinese nation, and has become a region for cultivating a sense of cultural identity of the Chinese nation. Highlights of the Hexi Corridor Colorful Danxia In winter, the sun shines on the red sandstone of Danxia, like a brilliant painting. Walking here is like stepping into a real colorful fairy tale world. Jiayuguan In winter, Jiayuguan has a dry climate, and a thin layer of frost forms on the city wall. Climbing the city wall, you can see the magnificent scenery of the grand pass, as if traveling back to ancient times. Son of the Earth Here are deserts, Gobi, and mountains. In winter, the Son of the Earth is covered with a layer of pure white snow, forming a snow scene. Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes The Mogao Grottoes contain many cultural treasures such as murals and colored sculptures. In winter, there are few tourists, and you can quietly appreciate the unique paintings. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring is one of the four wonders of China. The Crescent Spring is like a bright pearl embedded in the desert. Yumen Pass In winter, the mountains and grasslands around Yumen Pass are covered with snow. Here, you can feel the footsteps of those merchants who once traveled on the Silk Road. In winter, there are fewer people to reduce queuing time, and you can also see different scenery. As long as it is not encountering extreme national weather, the cost performance is very high. After all, the tickets are cheap, and the air tickets are also cheap. The disadvantage is that the transportation connection is not so convenient, and there are few flights, which require transfers.

2021 Latest Recommended Route Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dongtai Jinel Lake, Dunhuang, Zhangye Seven-Day Loop Tour day1️⃣ Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Town Accommodation day2️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake—Qaidam Basin—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan Accommodation day3️⃣ Dachaidan—National Highway 315 (Most Beautiful Road)—Water Yadan—Dongtai Jinel Lake—Dachaidan Accommodation day4️⃣ Dachaidan—Qinghai Yadan Devil City—Dangjin Mountain Most Beautiful Road—Aksay—Yangguan—Dunhuang Accommodation day5️⃣ Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Dunhuang Accommodation day6️⃣ Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan Pass (The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven)—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park—Zhangye Danxia Accommodation day7️⃣ Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grassland—Ebo Silk Road—Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)—Menyuan—Xining (End)

If you have time in winter, why not take a trip to Gansu! At present, the attractions on the Hexi Corridor in Gansu are basically open, and winter does not affect these cultural relics. 1. Mogao Caves are half price to see 12 caves, it's simply too cool, and special caves can also be bought, you can really feast your eyes; 2. There is a chance to see the beauty of the desert reflecting snow, and the beauty of Danxia reflecting snow. Zhangye's Rainbow Danxia and Mingsha Mountain are must-visit places; 3. If the flight is to Dunhuang, then the scenic spots in Dunhuang city are free of charge, in addition to this, if you come during the Spring Festival, New Year's Day, Lantern Festival, it's free for everyone; 4. Accommodation can be sorted out with one to two hundred yuan, Gansu in the off-season is really economical; - Basically, they are all open in winter (tickets are half price or free): 1. Mogao Caves 2. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 3. Zhangye Rainbow Danxia 4. Yangguan 5. Yumenguan 6. Jiayuguan Great Wall 7. Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon 8. Matisi 9. Labrang Monastery 11. Tiantishan Grottoes 12. Dunhuang Yardang Devil City Clothing and temperature: 1. Thick winter clothes, prepare hats, scarves and gloves 2. The hotel heating is very sufficient -