Dunhuang Museum
The Dunhuang Museum, established in 1979, is a pivotal cultural institution in northwest China, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the Silk Road’s historical and artistic legacy. Located near the Mogao Grottoes, it houses over 13,000 relics spanning 4,000 years, including Han Dynasty bamboo slips, Tang Dynasty murals, and Buddhist scriptures. The museum’s modern architecture blends desert aesthetics with interactive exhibits, offering insights into Dunhuang’s role as a crossroads of civilizations.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1979 and relocated in 2012, the museum traces Dunhuang’s history from the Han Dynasty’s Silk Road outpost to its Tang Dynasty golden age. Key exhibits highlight the Mogao Grottoes’ creation, the evolution of Buddhist art, and the oasis city’s multicultural exchanges. The museum also documents archaeological discoveries like the Library Cave treasures, reshaping global understanding of Silk Road trade and religion.
Structural Layout
The museum spans three floors with thematic galleries:
Silk Road Cultural Relics Hall: Tools, coins, and textiles illustrating cross-continental trade.
Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes Replica Hall: Life-sized cave replicas with murals and sculptures.
Buddhist Artifacts Gallery: Sutras, thangka paintings, and wooden carvings.
Ancient Documents Hall: Han-Tang bamboo slips and manuscripts in multiple languages.
Major Attractions
Mogao Grottoes Replica Cave: A full-scale replica of Cave 285, showcasing Tang Dynasty murals.
Silk Road Exhibition: A 15-meter-long mural depicting caravan routes and cultural exchanges.
Han Dynasty Wooden Seals: Rare administrative seals from the Western Han frontier.
Tang Dynasty Goldware: Ornate bowls and jewelry reflecting Central Asian influences.
Library Cave Treasures: Manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Uighur scripts.
Suggested Itineraries
- Express Route (1 hour):
Entrance → Silk Road Hall → Mogao Replica Cave → Ancient Documents → Exit.
Highlights: Key artifacts and grotto art.
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Entrance → Silk Road Hall → Buddhist Gallery → Mogao Replica Cave → Han-Tang Relics → Exit.
Highlights: Comprehensive art and history.
- Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
Entrance → All galleries, including rotating special exhibitions.
Highlights: Full immersion in Silk Road heritage.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat account or Dunhuang Museum website (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available daily; queues shorter in mornings.
Prices: ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m.
By Bus: Routes 3, 12, or 29 to Dunhuang Museum Stop.
By Taxi: 10-minute ride from downtown; fare ≈¥15.
By Bike: Rent e-bikes near Shazhou Night Market (20-minute ride).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (9 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Quietest on weekdays; weekends busy with tour groups.
Weather: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) ideal.
Essentials: Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a notebook for sketching.
Prohibited: Flash photography, tripods, and large backpacks.
Contact Us
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Basé sur plus de 10 000 avis de voyageurs
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Q & A
Asked by Armand from USA | November 07,2025 16:52
the murals in the Mogao Caves
Why have the murals in the Mogao Caves been preserved for such a long time? There was no preservation technology in ancient times, right?
