https://uk.trip.com/moments/detail/dunhuang-8-133096860
AbigailYoungSingapore

Mogao Caves Ultimate Guide! Detailed Touring Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

📕 🎫 Ticket Purchase Tips: During peak season, book standard tickets (~¥238) in advance via the official 【Mogao Caves】 mini-program. The ticket covers all tour items—remember to use official channels! 🕒 Timing Advice: While our entry time wasn’t strictly checked, peak crowds may enforce time slots. Arriving as scheduled is safer. 👣 Full Tour Breakdown: 1️⃣ Head to 【Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center】, scan your ID at kiosks for tickets. Luggage storage is available (tour lasts ~4 hours—travel light!). 2️⃣ Watch two films as guided: ▫️ First film (20min) covers Mogao’s history—sit near the back for easy exit. ▫️ Second film (20min dome theater) showcases murals—front rows offer mediocre views 😂. ❌ Pro tip: Prep with documentaries beforehand, but newbies can grasp basics here. 3️⃣ Queue for shuttle buses (~15min ride) to the caves. 4️⃣ After arrival, staff assign groups (~10 people). Get headphones and follow guides to 8 caves (~10min per cave, focusing on structure, murals, and statues). Requests (e.g., Cave 257’s Nine-Colored Deer for kids) may adjust routes. 5️⃣ Post-tour, linger to eavesdrop on other groups (no re-entry!). Snap photos at the Giant Buddha spot. 6️⃣ Visit the exhibition hall with replica caves—compensates for no photos inside. 7️⃣ Return by shuttle (~15min) to the center. ✅ Pro Tips: ▫️ No photos in caves—note cave numbers for later online viewing. ▫️ The 4+ hour tour demands stamina—wear comfy shoes and hydrate! ▫️ Research beforehand—ask guides about special caves. Mogao is a cultural gem—follow this guide to fully immerse in millennia-old murals! *Content sourced online; contact for removal. #QinghaiGansuLoop #NorthwestChinaTravel #TravelGuide
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Jun 18, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Mogao Caves

4.4/59875 reviews | Historic buildings
Dunhuang
2025 Asia 100 – Best Things to Do
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Mogao Caves

A Must-Visit in Your Lifetime—Mogao Caves!

_Kelly_25
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot

Seven-Day Itinerary for the Stunning Danxia Landscape in Zhangye: A Well-Planned Adventure

Stella.Peterson@34
Mingsha Mountain

My summer trip to Dunhuang has concluded, and I sincerely recommend sisters visit during the off-season from July to September!!!

VoyagingWanderer
Dunhuang Ancient City

Seven-Day Travel Guide to the Mogao Caves

ButterflyWhisper
Mingsha Mountain

I lost in being more "Buddhist" than the murals in Dunhuang

CARLA MCDANIEL
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot

I thought southern Xinjiang was stunning until I traveled the Northwest Grand Loop

WanderlustWhims
Zhangye Buddha Temple

Journey to the Northwest to Witness the Earth's Fiery Tattoo!

S0undw@lk3r_0bscur3
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area

Summary of my 7 days and 6 nights Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop tour

SofiaThomas
Nine Floors of Dunhuang

Dunhuang. Exploring the Millennium Buddhist Kingdom of Mogao Caves|Avoid Crowds to Capture Mural-Level Masterpieces

Olivia(Walker
Qinghai Lake

Qinghai's Haixi region has always been an awe-inspiring destination!

SolarEclipse*22111
Mogao Caves

Silk Road Legacy, Murals in Splendor: A Complete Guide to the Cultural Journey of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes

evelyn Ooo
Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring

Desert Miracle! The Flying Apsaras Murals Take Your Breath Away!

SilverLining4242