Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang

Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang

Attractions Overview: Buddhist Palace in the world
Attraction Type: Cultural; World Cultural Heritage
Chinese Name: 莫高窟
English Name: Mogao Grottoes
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Day
Open Hours:c May to October: 08:15-18:00; November to April : 09:15-17:30
Admission Fee:  180 RMB / Person
Address in English: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province
Address in Chinese: 甘肃省敦煌

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Why is Mogao Grottoes So Special?

Mogao Grottoes, known also as the Mogao Caves, the Dunhuang Caves, or the Thousand Buddha Caves, are a network of Buddhist cave temples in China. This site is located near the city of Dunhuang in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu. This ancient city was once located in an oasis on a strategic point of the ancient Silk Road. Thus, Dunhuang was a center where not only trade, but also cultural, religious, and intellectual exchanges took place. The Mogao Grottoes serve as a testimony to the high level of sophistication that was achieved by Dunhuang during its heyday.  

Where is Mogao Grottoes?

The Mogao Grottoes, also known as Thousand-Buddha Caves, are located on the eastern foothills of the Mingsha Mountain, 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang City.

How to Get to Mogao Grottoes?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Mogao Grottoes with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Independent Travel

For independent travelers you can 

For independent travelers, you can take public bus from Dunhuang Hotel which departs every half hour and charges 8 RMB. Taxi is also available, and may charges about 40 RMB.

Main Attractions in Mogao Grottoes

Cave No. 96

No. 96 – this is the symbolic cave of Mogao Caves. Exterior is the famous 9-storey tower, while inside the cave is the highest Buddha of Mogao Caves which is 33 meters high and expresses the beauty standard of Tang Dynasty – chubbiness and elegance.

Cangjin Cave

Cangjin Cave, or the The  Dunhuang Library Cave, is famoous for bamboo Slips, Writ and Coins Unearthed in Tunhuang Brilliant, magnificent, colorful and gorgeous, such are the features that make the Dunhuang frescoes aesthetically peerless in the world. The Dunhuang Library Cave saved a large number of Social and historical documents, especially civil society, it is particularly interesting.

Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes Mural Painting 

Dunhuang Mogao grottoes mural painting history of China is a shining pearl, one of the most representative of the Tang dynasty is the mural,The overall number, art level of high and wide distribution types in the murals in the mogao grottoes has advantage position. Desks and Sitting Position of the Dunhuang People in the Tang and Five Dynasties Seen in the Dunhuang Paintings

Useful Travel Tips

  1. Ticket:
    – April to October: CNY180 (sale of tickets stops at 16:30);
    – November to March: CNY120 (sale of tickets stops at 16:00).

  2. Daily allowed visitors are limited (6,000), so it is required to make the reservation at least 7 days in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Edited by Emily Wang/王海玲