Dunhuang - A lonely oasis in the arid desert.

Dunhuang, an oasis situated on the ancient Silk Road, was not only a resting place for merchant caravans but also a crossroads of culture, art, and religion between East and West. Located in western Gansu Province and east of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang is a historically significant site, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of cultural and artistic exchange.

The Jade Gate Pass is a mountain pass located west of Dunhuang. In ancient times, it was a crucial route on the Silk Road, connecting Central Asia with China, including smaller states like Khotan, Gaochang, and the Turkic Khaganate—collectively known as the Western Regions. For defense and to maintain tight control over security and the economy, the government built numerous passes from the capital to the border regions. The Jade Gate Pass was the last stronghold separating the Central Plains from the Western Regions. Simply crossing the Jade Gate Pass led into a desolate, harsh, and perilous land.

During the flourishing Silk Road, Yumen Pass was once bustling with thousands of people from the Western Regions and Central Plains who came here to trade goods. Under the ravages of sun, wind, desert sand, and time, today only a corner of the city wall stands alone amidst the sand. Near Yumen Pass is a remaining section of the Han Dynasty city wall. These ruins stand silently, weathered by the elements, witnessing the transformations of countless dynasties...

But perhaps the most significant aspect of visiting Dunhuang is the opportunity to admire the unique ancient architecture and artworks; to visit the massive Buddhist museum and library, which houses countless invaluable documents found nowhere else. The Mogao Caves, located 25 km outside the Dunhuang oasis, are a treasure trove of information about the religious, artistic, economic, political, and social life of this region, illustrated through murals, sculptures, and artifacts found within this cave complex.

Legend says that a wandering monk named Le Zun saw thousands of Buddhas shining in the sky in 366 AD. He then built a temple with a golden Buddha statue on a cliff overlooking the river. Later, another monk named Fa Liang visited Dunhuang and created a second cave nearby. Within a few decades, 70 caves had been constructed at Mogao. And over the past 1,000 years, artisans have created more than 700 cave temples covering 45,000 square meters.²frescoes.

There are currently about 2,415 statues remaining in Dunhuang, many of which were restored during the Qing Dynasty. In previous dynasties, the backs of the statues were attached to the walls, and the heads were made separately and then placed on the bodies. It was during the Tang Dynasty that the statues were completely separated. During the Tang Dynasty, two colossal Buddha statues were built here, reflecting the power and self-esteem of the empire at the time. The caves from the Tang Dynasty are considered the pinnacle of Mogao. Unlike the statues from previous dynasties, these detached statues can be admired from all sides. The vibrant colors and sharp details of the statues' clothing also reflect the affluent lifestyle of the monks at that time.

Another famous scenic spot in Dunhuang is Crescent Moon Spring. Amidst the barren desert lies a lush oasis and a picturesque crescent-shaped freshwater lake – Crescent Moon Spring was a major stop for merchants on the Silk Road as they crossed the desert. To cater to the needs of travelers, a temple was built by the lake during the Han Dynasty, adding to the oasis' mystical and sacred atmosphere.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, enjoying peaceful and tranquil moments here. Surrounding Crescent Moon Spring are the Mingsha Mountains sand dunes, offering panoramic views of the vast Gobi Desert. From above, you can admire Crescent Moon Spring and experience exciting activities such as sliding down the high sand dunes and riding motorbikes in the desert.

The sight of herds of camels traversing the Mingsha Mountains easily conjures up images of merchants carrying goods along the Silk Road, connecting eastern China, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. But today, these camels no longer carry expensive spices, herbs, and fabrics across the endless red sands of Mingsha Mountains; instead, they transport tourists for 100 RMB per ride. According to statistics, over 1000 camels are specifically used to serve tourists in this barren Mingsha Mountain region.

Tourists are flocking to this barren land in increasing numbers, driven by curiosity about the towering sand dunes, desert storms, and the terrifying banditry that has claimed the lives of countless merchants passing through.

Today, Dunhuang has become a popular tourist destination, free from the traces of bandits and other dangers. Here, visitors can enjoy spectacular art performances, stroll through the local night market, or savor dishes with the flavors of the "Silk Road." Above all, they can admire the invaluable ancient architecture and works of art.

Huong Thao