Dunhuang Administrative Divisions

Overview of Dunhuang's Administrative Divisions

Dunhuang City (敦煌市), located in Gansu Province, China, is a historically rich and culturally significant city with a unique geographical location along the ancient Silk Road. As of 2018, Dunhuang is divided into a total of nine towns, one farm, and one base, which collectively manage the region's social, economic, and administrative needs. Below are the detailed administrative divisions:

Nine Towns of Dunhuang

1. Qili Town (七里镇)
   • Geographical Location: Situated to the east of the city center, Qili Town plays an important role in the agricultural landscape of Dunhuang.
   • Economic Activities: Known for its agricultural activities, including the cultivation of crops such as wheat, corn, and melons.
   • Development: Qili Town is increasingly modernizing, with efforts to improve local infrastructure and living conditions.
2. Shazhou Town (沙州镇)
   • Historical Significance: Shazhou is historically important as it is near the ancient site of Shazhou, which played a vital role in the trade and communication between China and Central Asia along the Silk Road.
   • Tourism: Being close to key tourist attractions like the Mogao Caves (莫高窟), Shazhou is a gateway town for visitors traveling to Dunhuang's cultural heritage sites.
   • Local Economy: Agriculture and tourism are the main drivers of Shazhou's economy, with growing investments in both sectors.
3. Suzhou Town (肃州镇)
   • Cultural Heritage: Suzhou Town serves as an important administrative and cultural hub in the region, and it also shares the name with the historical Suzhou (now called Jiuquan), a well-known city in ancient China.
   • Economic Role: Suzhou is a focal point for regional government services and infrastructure, with significant emphasis on trade, industry, and transport.
4. Mogao Town (莫高镇)
   • Tourism and Heritage: Mogao is one of the most well-known towns in Dunhuang due to the Mogao Caves (莫高窟), one of the most famous cultural and historical sites in China. These Buddhist cave temples house thousands of murals and statues, some dating back more than 1,500 years.
   • Role in the Economy: Tourism is the cornerstone of Mogao's economy. The town provides services to millions of visitors who come to explore the caves and surrounding areas.
5. Zhuanqukou Town (转渠口镇)
   • Geographical Features: Located in the western part of Dunhuang, Zhuanqukou is known for its rich agricultural output and proximity to key transportation routes.
   • Agriculture: This town is primarily focused on crop production, with a variety of fruits and vegetables being cultivated in the region.
6. Yangguan Town (阳关镇)
   • Historical Importance: Yangguan is named after the famous Yangguan Pass (阳关), which was a strategic checkpoint along the ancient Silk Road. This pass allowed travelers and traders to enter China from Central Asia, and its ruins remain a popular cultural heritage site.
   • Cultural Significance: Yangguan Town has developed around the historical significance of the Yangguan Pass, and it is a key site for educational tours about the Silk Road’s history.
7. Yueyaquan Town (月牙泉镇)
   • Tourist Attraction: Yueyaquan Town is home to Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉), a natural oasis located amidst the vast sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. This scenic location is a favorite for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists seeking to experience the unique desert landscape.
   • Local Economy: The town thrives mainly on tourism, with visitors attracted to both the Crescent Moon Spring and nearby attractions like the Echoing Sand Mountain (鸣沙山).
8. Guojiabao Town (郭家堡镇)
   • Economic Profile: Guojiabao is known for its agricultural activity, particularly in growing crops suitable for the local climate. It is also a base for some local businesses and industries.
   • Regional Role: This town serves as an important link between Dunhuang’s urban and rural areas, supporting the local economy with its agricultural outputs.
9. Huangqu Town (黄渠镇)
   • Location: Located in the southern part of Dunhuang, Huangqu plays a significant role in local farming and agriculture.
   • Agricultural Focus: Known for its focus on irrigation and water management, Huangqu is an area where innovative agricultural techniques are applied to make the most of the local desert environment.

Other Administrative Areas in Dunhuang

1. Guoying Dunhuang Farm (国营敦煌农场)
   • Agricultural Importance: This state-run farm is one of the key agricultural production areas in Dunhuang, dedicated to cultivating crops, such as cotton, wheat, and corn.
   • Development: Guoying Dunhuang Farm also serves as an example of large-scale farming practices in a region that faces environmental challenges due to its arid climate.
2. Qinghai Oil Management Office Life Base (青海石油管理局生活基地)
   • Role in the Oil Industry: This base supports the operations of the Qinghai Oil Management Office (青海石油管理局), which oversees oil extraction and management in the region. The life base provides accommodations, facilities, and other essential services to workers involved in the oil industry.
   • Geographical Location: Located on the outskirts of Dunhuang, this base serves as an industrial and residential area for employees and their families working in the oil sector.