Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dunhuang
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dunhuang

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Achievements
Achievements image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
District
Theme filters
District
  • Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Springtop_1
    2026
    21
    Dunhuang,Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring6.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBreathtaking golden dunes of Dunhuang
    :
    󰋄A bird's-eye view of the sunset over Crescent Lake from the top of Mingsha Mountain
    Enjoy endless fun with camel riding and sandboarding
    󱨠Saved by 1305 person󱨠26972 positive reviews
    4.7/5
  • Mogao Grottoestop_2
    2026
    49.24
    Dunhuang16.7 km from downtown
    :
    Guided tour of select grottoes
    󱨜Admire thousand-year Buddhist art treasures
    󱨠Saved by 1201 person󱨠5692 positive reviews
    4.4/5
  • Dunhuang Museumtop_3
    Dunhuang,Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring1.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    :
    Next to Mogao Caves Heritage
    󱨜Experience a millennium of history at this exhibition on the convergence of Huaxia and Rong cultures
    󱨠Saved by 171 person󱨠1023 positive reviews
    4.7/5
  • Dunhuang Bookstore
    4
    Dunhuang,Shazhou Market485m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Dunhuang
    :
    󱨜A cultural landmark decorated with Dunhuang murals
    Treasured reproductions of the Dunhuang manuscripts in the Cangjing Ge
    󱨠Saved by 100 person󱨠298 positive reviews
    4.8/5
  • Encore Dunhuang
    5
    56.87
    Dunhuang,Dunhuang Airport/Dunhuang Railway Station8.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Dunhuang
    :
    Desert theater near Mogao Caves
    󱨜Immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Dunhuang
    󱨠Saved by 139 person󱨠2279 positive reviews
    4.3/5
  • Yang Guan
    6
    9.55
    Dunhuang56.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoImmersive experience at Yang Pass, travel through time with a customs passport
    :
    Ride a camel along the ancient Silk Road
    󱨜An important pass on the southern route of the Silk Road
    󱨠Saved by 143 person󱨠1636 positive reviews
    4.5/5
  • Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
    7
    22.91
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    :
    Venture deep into the southern route by off-road vehicle for photo opportunities
    󱨜The unique rock sculptures on the Southern Route are strikingly lifelike.
    󱨠Saved by 244 person󱨠1213 positive reviews
    4.6/5
  • Yumen Pass
    8
    9.55
    Dunhuang68.7 km from downtown
    :
    󱨜Stroll the walls of the Yumen Pass ruins from the Eastern Han Dynasty
    󱨜The spectacular oasis of the Hala Lake wetland desert
    󱨠Saved by 165 person󱨠1107 positive reviews
    4.4/5
  • Dahaidao
    9
    8.59
    Hami>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDahaidao's immersive upgrade: begin a magical journey
    :
    A wondrous journey to encounter wild camels
    󱨜Journey through the wilderness to explore ancient castle ruins
    󱨠Saved by 117 person󱨠863 positive reviews
    4.7/5
  • Dunhuang Night Market
    10
    Dunhuang,Shazhou Market494m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Dunhuang
    :
    Savor Dunhuang's donkey meat with yellow noodles and pita bread in soup
    󱨜A crossroads of Silk Road flavors and crafts
    󱨠Saved by 149 person󱨠114 positive reviews
    4.2/5

Best things to do in Dunhuang (2026)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Dunhuang? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Dunhuang offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Dunhuang

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Dunhuang experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring

• Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 6.1 km from downtown

• : A bird's-eye view of the sunset over Crescent Lake from the top of Mingsha Mountain,Enjoy endless fun with camel riding and sandboarding

Mogao Grottoes

• Dunhuang | 16.7 km from downtown

• : Guided tour of select grottoes,Admire thousand-year Buddhist art treasures

Dunhuang Museum

• Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | 1.4 km from downtown

• : Next to Mogao Caves Heritage,Experience a millennium of history at this exhibition on the convergence of Huaxia and Rong cultures

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Dunhuang

If you want to explore attractions just outside Dunhuang, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Dunhuang, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Dunhuang special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Dunhuang

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Dunhuang

Ready to explore the best of Dunhuang? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are the best things to do in Dunhuang?
The best things to do in Dunhuang include: Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring | Mogao Grottoes | Dunhuang Museum | Dunhuang Bookstore | Encore Dunhuang. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Dunhuang cost?
Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:From SGD 21.00 | Mogao Grottoes:From SGD 49.24 | Dunhuang Museum:Free | Encore Dunhuang:From SGD 56.87 | Yang Guan:From SGD 9.55
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Dunhuang?
Most attractions in Dunhuang provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
󰴉