Dunhuang Private Silk Road Day Tour: Mogao Caves, Crescent Spring

4.8 (8 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

8 reviews

4.8

Sand Echo Mountain (Mingsha shan) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mogao Grottoes — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on an exclusive Silk Road tour with our premium Dunhuang private day tour to discover Dunhuang's Treasures: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, meticulously designed to immerse you in the city's iconic highlights away from the crowds. This personalized small group experience begins with convenient private hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey from start to finish.

Your adventure delves deep into the Buddhist art sanctuary of the Mogao Caves, followed by the vast, golden dunes of the Singing Sand Mountains (Mingsha Shan). Witness the natural wonder of the Crescent Moon Spring oasis nestled within the sands. As evening falls, explore the lively local flavors at Shazhou Night Market. Committed to an authentic, none-shopping tour, we prioritize cultural immersion, allowing you to skip crowded areas and connect deeply with Dunhuang's timeless legacy.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Chinese, English
Operated by: China Travel Service

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–6 years) · Adults (7–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver (if the option selected)
Included: Private, small-group experience for personalized attention
Included: One bottle of mineral water per person
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the option selected)
Included: Services of an English speaking local tour guide throughout the day (if the option selected)
Included: Visit to Shazhou Night Market
Included: Entrance tickets as listed in the itinerary (if you select the all-inclusive option))
Included: All local taxes and fees

Not included

Not included: Personal expense such as souvenirs or shopping
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Optional activity (such as special caves at Mogao Grottoes and camel riding or sand skiing)
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Airport or train station pickup/drop-off available at an extra cost of CNY 200–500 per group

Itinerary

Stop 1

3 hours Admission included

At 09:00 meet your guide and driver in your hotel. Then we will drive to visit the most notable attraction in Dunhuang, Mogao Grottoes. The grottoes also were known as Caves of the Thousand Buddha, house Buddhist cave temple architecture, clay sculpture, mural paintings and manuscripts, dating from the 4th to the 19th centuries, nearly 1500 years.
Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain

one hour Admission included

In the afternoon, we will continue to visit the Singing-Sand Mountain. When you slide down the slope, you can hear the roaring echo of sands, hence the name.
Crescent Moon Pool

2 hours Admission included

Walking along the mountain to reach the Crescent Lake, your eyes will be feasted on the crescent-shaped spring surrounded by the endless Gobi desert. You can try some optional activity like camel riding and sand skiing (cost on your own).
Stop 4

2 hours Admission included

In the evening, you will visit the famous local Sazhou Night Market. After the tour transfer back to your hotel.
Dunhuang

Passing by

Warm Notice:

1. The pickup time is approximate due to the open time of attractions and the peak season or not, you will be contacted one day in advance to reconfirm the exact time.

2. You might visit the Mogao Grottoes in the afternoon and Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountain in the morning instead based on the ticket reservation condition of Mogao Grottoes attraction site.

3. Please check the option defination and inclusion when booking.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

If you choose only booked the entrance ticket, please make your own way to the Mogao Cave scenic area and enter with your passport.

End point

If you choose only booked the entrance ticket, please make your own way to the Mogao Cave scenic area and enter with your passport.

Pickup points

Guangyuan Hotel (Dunhuang West Yangguang Road)
Golden Leaf Hotel
Yuetian Business Hotel
Hantang Hotel
Huasheng Business Hotel
Dun Huang Building Hotel
Home Inn Dunhuang Mingshan Road
Jinjiang Inn Select Dunhuang Miao Street
Dunhuang Guest House
Dianli Hotel
Foguang Hotel
Jinlong Hotel

and 57 more pickup points

If you select the option of Mogao Cave Ticket only, please make your own way to the attraction to enter, there is no transfer and guide service included.

Using your ticket

Dress code is smart - no casual clothes (i.e. jeans, sportswear, joggers or sneakers)
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Camel riding and sand skiing is optional
Special caves at Mogao Grottoes are not included
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You will be contacted at least one day ahead of the travel day via email to advise the pickup info. The tour guide will also call you or leave you a message through your hotel room the night before tour about pickup time.
You are suggested to wear comfortable shoes on tour day.

Options

With Tour Guide Only

English-speaking Tour Guide : It includes English speaking tour guide service only. Transfer, entry ticket, meals all are excluded.
Only Transfer & Guide Service

This option includes the basic service of transfer and guide without entrance tickets.

Pickup included
Guide+Transfer+Entry Ticket

This option includes the private transfer, English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets.

Pickup included