Geographic coordinates: E92°13′- 95°30′   N39°53′- 41°35′

Population: 180,000 (2008)  

Area:  12,046 sq mi

Average altitude: 3733.6 ft

Average temperature:  ℉ 

Annual rainfall: 1.57 in

IDD: 86 – 0937

Acted as an important hub of the Silk Road, Dunhuang was the gateway leading to the west, and was the center of business trading between China and western neighbors as well, melding ancient businessmen, scholars, Buddhists and artists from various cultures.

Dunhuang stands in Shazhou (sandbank) Town, northwest of Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province and is famous for its historical culture of China. Gobi desert covers a large area and the oasis is just 540.5 square miles. The snow melt water of Mt. Qilian covered with an expanse of snow, flows into the Danghe River, along which the oasis has formed gradually. When the prefecture was established here from the Han Dynasty, Dunhuang then became the hub of communication, junction of economic and cultural exchange in Gobi Desert between China and western countries and the starting point of three Silk Roads leading to Xiyu (western regions, a Han Dynasty term for the area west of Yumenguan Pass, including what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia). The silk, china and invented paper of the Han Dynasty were disseminated from Dunhuang to Persia and Europe passing through desert. The Buddhism of India was spread to the Central Plains (comprising the middle and lower reaches of the Huanghe (Yellow River). Being as a gate of the Central Plains, Dunhuang received monks and priests of preaching religions from the west and Chinese monks seeking Sutra to India. At that time many temples and churches were established and the cave arts were introduced from India. In Dunhuang, not only lived national minorities of China, but also foreigners from Iran and India mingled with, thus being a prosperous metropolis bustling with activities.

The Mogaoku Grottoes have fused Buddhist arts indigenous and alien, which reflect the achievements of ancient architecture, painting and sculpture. This is the treasure-house of arts, biggest and richest in content reserved in China now. Besides, there are places of historic interest and scenic beauty like Shazhou ancient city, remains of the Great Wall from Qin Dynasty, Yangguan Pass and Yumen Pass etc.  

Attractions

Mogao Grottoes   Singing Sand Dunes   The Crescent Lake   White Horse Dagoba   Yangguan Pass