Dunhuang Transportation

Dunhuang (敦煌) is located at the westernmost end of the Hexi Corridor, where the provinces of Gansu (甘肃), Qinghai (青海), and Xinjiang (新疆) converge. Since the Han Dynasty, it has served as a crucial transportation hub linking China with Central Asia and the West. In the 21st century, the city has seen substantial upgrades in its infrastructure, including highways, railways, and an airport, forming a comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network integrating road, rail, and air travel.

1. Highways (公路)

Dunhuang is well-connected by an extensive highway network. The provincial road G314 (省道314线), which passes through key locations including Dunhuang Airport (敦煌飞机场), the city center (敦煌市区), Mogao Town (莫高镇), Wudun Village (五墩村), Heshui Village (合水村), and Qili Town (七里镇), spans a total length of 69.35 kilometers in the Dunhuang area. Designed for a speed of 80 km/h, this road links the Lianhuo Expressway (连霍高速公路) and the Jingzang Expressway (京藏高速公路). The Dunhuang-Dangjinshan Expressway (敦当高速公路), which is an important connection between the Lianhuo and Jingzang highways, stretches for 196.35 kilometers, passing through locations like Dunhuang North (敦煌北), Dunhuang West (敦煌西), Qili Town (七里镇), Shazuo Garden (沙枣园), Akesai (阿克塞), and Dangjinshan (当金山).

By 2023, Dunhuang's road transport had shown significant growth. The total freight volume reached 6.982 million tons, increasing by 22.1%. The freight turnover was 68.1268 million ton-kilometers, with a growth of 16.7%. Passenger traffic also saw an increase, with 8.29 million passengers, reflecting a 24.2% rise. The total length of roads in Dunhuang by the end of the year reached 2,486.7 kilometers, of which 236 kilometers were expressways, and 2,250.6 kilometers were graded roads.

2. Railways (铁路)

As of August 2022, Dunhuang has two rail lines and two railway stations. The Dunhuang-Gegu Railway (敦格铁路), which spans 616.79 kilometers, successfully opened in December 2019. On April 21, 2022, the first international freight train of the China-Laos Railway (中老铁路), running from Dunhuang to Vientiane (Laos) and Bangkok (Thailand), departed with 20 containers carrying 530 tons of asbestos. This marked the first direct export of local products via the new Western Land-Sea Corridor railway to overseas markets.

3. Air Travel (航空)

Dunhuang Mogaoku International Airport (敦煌莫高国际机场) is located in Mogao Town (莫高镇), about 13 kilometers from the city center. It was completed and opened in 1982 and has since become an important regional tourism hub. By August 2022, the airport had 23 operational flight routes, serving 9 airlines and connecting 19 cities and 21 destinations. A notable feature of the airport is the Lanzhou-Zhangye-Dunhuang (兰州—张掖—敦煌) tourism-focused flight route, which operates with high frequency. The airport is gradually being developed into a modern international airport with a designed annual passenger throughput of 960,000 and a cargo and mail throughput of 1,700 tons.

Dunhuang's transportation system has evolved into a robust and interconnected network, making the city more accessible and providing easier connections to neighboring regions and countries. Whether traveling by road, rail, or air, visitors can enjoy efficient and convenient travel options that enhance their experience of this ancient Silk Road city.

Getting to Dunhuang

By Air

Dunhuang International Airport (敦煌国际机场) is located approximately 13 km east of downtown and 22 km from Mogao Grottoes. The airport operates flights to and from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Xining, and Hong Kong. Seasonal flights to destinations like Siem Reap, Cambodia, are also available.

• From Airport to Downtown:
  • Taxi: ~￥40 (about 20–30 minutes)
  • Bus: ~30 minutes

For more details on flights, check Dunhuang International Airport’s official site.

By Train

Travelers can reach Dunhuang by train through Dunhuang Railway Station or Liuyuan South Railway Station (about 210 km away).

1. Dunhuang Railway Station (敦煌火车站):
   • Located 12 km east of downtown, this station serves as the starting point for the Dunhuang Railway, a dedicated tourism line in Gansu Province. It offers high-speed connections to cities like Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Xian.
   • The station blends modern design with elements of Han and Tang Dynasty architecture.
2. Liuyuan South Railway Station (柳园南站):
   • Located 3 km from Liuyuan town (210 km from Dunhuang), this station mainly serves high-speed trains on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway. It is an important station for travelers heading to Xinjiang.

Train Travel from Other Cities

• Beijing to Dunhuang: 2215 km, ~35.5 hours by train (recommended flight option for faster travel).
• Shanghai to Dunhuang: 3115 km, ~35.5 hours by train (recommended flight via Xi'an).
• Xi’an to Dunhuang: ~1720 km, ~22 hours by train (3–4 flights a day).
• Lanzhou to Dunhuang: ~1095 km, ~8.5–14.5 hours by train (2–6 daily flights available).
• Zhangye to Dunhuang: ~600 km, 6 hours by car. Train takes ~4.5 hours by high-speed rail.
• Jiayuguan to Dunhuang: ~375 km, 4 hours by car. Bullet trains take ~2.5 hours.

Getting Around Dunhuang

Public Transport:

• Buses and taxis are the most common modes of transport within the city.
• Private Car Rentals: Recommended for remote attractions like Yadan National Geopark.

How to Get to Key Attractions:

1. Mogao Caves:
   • The Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center is the first stop for tickets (about 12 km, 20 minutes from downtown). After ticket collection, take the free shuttle bus (~20 minutes) to the caves.
2. Yadan National Geopark:
   • Private car: 2.5–3 hours from downtown (~180 km).
   • City bus: Around 3 hours, with buses available daily from Dunhuang Hotel.
   • A late bus can also allow you to catch the sunset at the geopark.
3. Yulin Caves:
   • Located in Guazhou County, ~180 km east of Dunhuang.
   • Train or bus to Guazhou (1.5 hours), then a taxi or chartered vehicle to the caves (70 km from Guazhou).

Transportation from Dunhuang to Other Cities

• Dunhuang to Turpan: ~800 km, ~9 hours by car. Best reached by high-speed train via Liuyuan South Railway Station.
• Dunhuang to Urumqi: ~1070 km, ~12 hours by car. Take the train from Liuyuan station for a ~4.5-hour trip.
• Dunhuang to Kashgar: ~2250 km, ~26 hours by car. Flights take ~8 hours with connections, while the train from Liuyuan takes ~26 hours.

Dunhuang Local City Transportation

Dunhuang (敦煌) is a small city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, located in the western part of Gansu Province (甘肃省). While the city is not large, it is well-equipped with various local transportation options that make it easy for visitors to explore its attractions and surroundings. From buses to taxis and rental options, Dunhuang offers practical solutions for getting around.

1. Public Buses (公交车)

Dunhuang has a modest but functional public bus network. The local buses primarily serve the city center and key attractions, making it a cost-effective way to travel within the city. The buses are affordable and are commonly used by both locals and tourists. However, the bus routes may not be as extensive as in larger cities, and schedules can be less frequent, particularly in the off-peak seasons.

Some of the major routes connect Dunhuang’s city center (敦煌市区) to popular tourist sites, including the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟), the Dunhuang Museum (敦煌博物馆), and the Dunhuang Night Market (敦煌夜市).

2. Taxis (出租车)

Taxis are readily available in Dunhuang and are one of the most convenient modes of transportation for tourists. They can be easily hailed from the streets or booked via phone. Taxis are generally affordable, and fares are metered, making them a reliable choice for short trips within the city or to nearby attractions.

For longer journeys to remote sites like the Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟) or the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), it is a good idea to negotiate the fare in advance with the driver. Taxis also offer a more comfortable and private way to explore the city compared to buses.

3. Bicycle and Electric Scooters (自行车与电动车)

For visitors who enjoy a more active way of exploring the city, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter is a popular option. Dunhuang has several rental shops where tourists can rent bicycles for a reasonable price. These are great for exploring the city center or for visiting attractions like the Dunhuang Night Market (敦煌夜市) or the Dunhuang Museum (敦煌博物馆).

Electric scooters are also available for rent in the city. These provide an eco-friendly and convenient way to travel short distances, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of parking and are looking for a faster mode of transport.

4. Private Cars and Tour Services (私人车辆与旅游服务)

Many tourists visiting Dunhuang prefer to use private car services or guided tours to reach the major tourist attractions, especially those that are located outside the city center, such as the Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟) and the Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山) or Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉). Several tour companies in Dunhuang offer private vehicle rental with or without a driver, making it easier for travelers to customize their itinerary.

These services are particularly popular for group tours, as they offer a comfortable and flexible way to visit multiple attractions in one day. Drivers are often knowledgeable about the local area and can provide helpful tips and historical context about the sights.

5. Tourist Shuttles (景区接驳车)

To facilitate access to the most popular tourist destinations, Dunhuang offers shuttle bus services to places like the Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟) and the Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山) area. These shuttles are designed to transport visitors directly to the entrances of these sites and are especially useful for those who prefer not to navigate public transport or taxis.

Tickets for these shuttles can be purchased at the entrances or through local tour operators. The shuttle services are typically synchronized with the opening hours of the attractions to ensure that visitors can conveniently arrive on time for their scheduled visits.

6. Walking (步行)

For those staying within the city center, walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Dunhuang. The city’s main attractions, such as the Dunhuang Museum (敦煌博物馆) and the Dunhuang Night Market (敦煌夜市), are within walking distance from many hotels and accommodations. Walking gives visitors the chance to explore the local culture, visit small shops, and enjoy the atmosphere of this ancient Silk Road city.

7. Horseback Riding (骑马)

For a more adventurous and traditional mode of transportation, horseback riding is available for tourists, particularly in the desert areas surrounding Dunhuang. Visitors can take guided horseback rides in locations like the Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山) and Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉), where they can experience the vast, scenic desert landscape in an authentic way. Horseback tours are also available at the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), which is a popular attraction for those looking to explore the area on horseback.

8. Rental Cars (租车)

For tourists who prefer more independence in their travels, car rentals are also an option in Dunhuang. There are several rental services available at the airport and in the city center. Renting a car is ideal for those who plan to visit multiple attractions outside the city or venture into the surrounding desert regions.

However, it’s important to note that road conditions in some remote areas may not always be ideal, so renting a car with a local driver is recommended for those unfamiliar with the region.

Dunhuang offers a variety of transportation options to suit different travel needs and preferences, from affordable public buses to private tours and unique desert experiences. Whether you're looking for convenience, adventure, or a way to explore the city's rich history and cultural heritage, there is a mode of transportation in Dunhuang that will enhance your visit.