Graduation Trip Destination: Highly Recommend Dunhuang!

If you haven’t decided on your next travel destination, then come to Dunhuang! If there’s a place where history and the present intertwine, where the solitary smoke of the desert resonates with the warmth of human life, it must be Dunhuang. Dunhuang is the solitary desert smoke in Wang Wei’s poetry, the long wind of Yumen in Li Bai’s verses, the faith guarded by Chang Shuhong and Fan Jinshi, and the graceful flying apsaras captured by travelers’ cameras. Here, every grain of sand tells a story, every breeze carries the sound of Buddhist chants. “Dunhuang belongs to humanity, and our hearts yearn for it.” If you haven’t set foot on this land in your lifetime, how can you claim to have witnessed the world’s beauty and depth? Chapter 1 Echoes of Millennia: A Symphony of History and Civilization Dunhuang, historically known as "Shazhou," has been a cultural crossroads since Emperor Wu of Han established a county here. It witnessed Zhang Qian’s pioneering journey to the Western Regions, the bustling activity of the Xuanquan post station, the beacon fires of Yumen Pass and Yangguan, and the unceasing Buddhist chants and imagery of the Mogao Caves for over a thousand years. As a convergence point of the world’s four major cultural systems, Dunhuang embraced and fused Greek Gandhara art, Persian bead patterns, Indian Buddhist scriptures, and traditional Chinese aesthetics, creating the unparalleled Dunhuang art. Chapter 2 Natural Wonders: The Coexistence of Desert and Oasis Dunhuang’s magic lies in its stark contrasts. The golden sands of Mingsha Mountain hum softly in the wind, while the crystal-clear waters of Crescent Lake remain unfading for millennia. The coexistence of sand and spring is a natural marvel. Climb the sand dunes for a panoramic view, and you’ll see the snowmelt from Qilian Mountain nourishing the Danghe Oasis, where vast vineyards and Li Guang apricot orchards thrive amidst the Gobi Desert. Meanwhile, the Yadan “Devil City” showcases nature’s wild imagination with its wind-eroded peaks and rocks. Under the night sky, the howling winds sound like a chorus of beasts, leaving you in awe. Key Attractions: ✔️ Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of Buddhist art, with murals spanning over a thousand years. ✔️ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: A spectacle of sand and spring coexistence, offering camel rides, sand sliding, and breathtaking desert sunsets. ✔️ Yadan Devil City: A surreal landscape of Yadan formations, resembling the surface of Mars under twilight, with eerie wind sounds at night. ✔️ Yangguan: A historic Silk Road pass, where the poetic sentiment of “Drink another cup of wine, for west of Yangguan there are no old friends” lingers. ✔️ Yumen Pass: The grandeur of “Why lament the willows with the Qiang flute? The spring breeze does not cross Yumen Pass” can only be felt here. ✔️ Yulin Caves: Known as the “sister caves” of Mogao, smaller in scale but equally rich in artistic value. Chapter 3 Cultural Trends: The Collision of Tradition and Innovation Dunhuang is not just an echo of history; it’s also a source of inspiration for the present. If you’re unsure where to start upon arriving in Dunhuang, try a city walk to better understand the city before chasing your dreams! Dunhuang’s nightlife is vibrant. Be sure to visit the Dunhuang Night Market in the evening! Here, you’ll find not only a variety of delicious foods but also an array of affordable and creative Dunhuang-themed souvenirs. It’s a recreation of the bustling trade of ancient times. (For those looking for gifts, just go for it!) To delve deeper into Dunhuang’s culture, watch a performance: ✔️ "Silk Road Flower Rain": Inspired by murals, it dances through Silk Road legends. ✔️ "Dunhuang Grand Ceremony": A desert live-action show depicting love and glory. ✔️ "See Dunhuang Again": A time-traveling dialogue with the thousand-year-old civilization of Mogao Caves. Each scene is a dazzling display of Dunhuang’s cultural brilliance. Chapter 4 Human Touch: Culinary Memories of Dunhuang From Mogao Cave murals to manuscripts unearthed from the Library Cave, Dunhuang’s culinary traditions are vividly recorded. When in Dunhuang, you must indulge in its flavors! The arid climate and temperature variations have nurtured the exceptional sweetness of Dunhuang’s fruits. And the star of Dunhuang’s fruits—the Li Guang apricot—is set to shine in July! ✔️ Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: Every chewy noodle is coated in rich sauce, a taste passed down through generations. ✔️ Poplar Stew Pancakes: A fusion of ancient Western Region culinary traditions, with dough spread over cooked lamb ribs, absorbing the meat’s aroma for an unforgettable taste. ✔️ Lamb Soup with Vermicelli: A bowl of fragrant, clear lamb soup filled with tender lamb slices, translucent vermicelli, and radish, topped with fresh green scallions and cilantro—irresistible! ✔️ Apricot Peel Tea: Dunhuang’s version of “sour plum soup,” made from dried Li Guang apricots, perfect for cooling off in summer. ✔️ Roasted Whole Lamb: A signature dish of Dunhuang, with a golden, crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, symbolizing the warmest welcome for guests from afar.