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Originally Published: 28 October, 2011
Visit Mogao Grottoes In Winter
The local government in Dunhuang is attempting to stimulate the tourism industry and has announced a number of favourable policies accordingly. Those who visit over the winter are likely to benefit most as prices will be lower and crowds smaller - though there is the cold to contend with. That is easy; wrap up warm.
The Mogao Grottoes are generally agreed to be the most impressive of all the Buddhist Grottoes along the ancient Silk Roads. This was, after all, the last stop before the most difficult desert section and any chance of divine assistance was considered worth the money. Those coming the other way would pay the same in thanks.
The caves contain an extensive collection of very fine frescoes and statues in excellent condition. Visitors are only permitted to visit a limited number of caves on any one day, and these in rotation so that damage from the moisture they bring with them is limited.
Dunhuang has other attractions too. The Singing Sands by Crescent Lake are popular as a chance to see real desert up close, ride a camel and perhaps even ride a sand tobogan. The local museum is also a popular stop with some more detail about the Mogao Grottoes and the Silk Road era generally.
Those more interested in this era might be tempted to visit others sites a little further afield such as the Yumenguan (Jade Gate) or Yulin Buddhist Grottoes
Dunhuang can be reached by air (there are a limited number of arrivals from Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Xi', Lanzhou & Urumqi), by train (though there is really only one viable tourist service) or by vehicle from places such as Jiayuguan.
One of our journeys, Land of the Setting Sun visits the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. To visit the Mogao Grottoes in winter you could also consider our Tailor-made service.
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