Private Day Tour in Dunhuang: Mogao Grottoes, Singing Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring
Spend a full-day discovering the attractions in Dunhuang with an experienced guide who shares details about the rich history of this ancient Silk Road city. Visit Mogao Grottoes, which is the world's largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art Go up to Singing Dunes to enjoy amazing view of the desert and Crescent Moon Pool. Finally, explore a natural wonder of the Gobi Desert at Crescent Moon Spring.
Your tour guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel by holding your name sign, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, heading directly to Mogao Caves. Upon arrival, start your tour with a visit to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center. Watch two documentary movies, get to know the history, culture and art about Mogao Caves. Afterwards, follow the professional tour guide from Mogao Caves to discover the charms of this UNESCO world culture heritage site. You will explore 7 to 9 caves. As you explore the caves, your guide will point out the meaning of different wall paintings which aspects of medieval politics, economics, culture, arts, religion, ethnic relations, and daily dress in western China. Mogao Caves are the world's largest, most richly endowed, and longest used treasure house of Buddhist art. They are located at a strategic point along the Silk Road, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences. The carving of the caves started in 366 AD and continued for about 1,000 years. 492 caves are presently preserved, housing about 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures which are well-known for their statues and wall paintings. Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, then heading to Echoing-Sand Mountain. The sand of the mountain has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. When there is strong wind, the sands will be blown up and make loud sound, hence the name. Stroll around the area to enjoy the surroundings. You can choose to go up to the dune to enjoy amazing view of the desert and Crescent Moon Pool. Move on to Crescent Moon Pool. Just like its name indicates, the Crescent Pool is in a natural shape of half-moon. The pool was surrounded by Echoing Sand Mountain, it was considered as “the first spring in desert". According to historical record, the lake has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. Your wonderful tour will ends here, your tour guide and driver will take you back to your hotel in Dunhuang.
- Explore the renowned Mogao Grottoes, a treasure trove of Buddhist art and history.
- Experience the natural wonder of the Singing Sand Dunes, where the wind creates a unique singing sound as it blows over the sands.
- Visit the Crescent Moon Spring, a picturesque oasis nestled amidst the desert dunes.
- Restrictions: infant : Age 1–2 adult : Age 3–70
Gratuities Accommodation The entrance fees is only for regular caves, you can pay extra if you want to visit special caves
