The must-visit attractions in Dunhuang are Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain-Crescent Spring Scenic Area
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In addition, there are
Dunhuang
Yadan Geopark, West Thousand Buddha Caves,
Dunhuang
Ancient City, Yangguan Pass, Yumen Pass, and Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins.
- Route recommendation
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two,
Why arrange the itinerary this way:
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- Save time and avoid traveling too much
Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain-Crescent Moon Spring are here
Dunhuang
A must-visit place,
Dunhuang
The ancient city and Yangguan are very close to each other, so visiting them together can save time and avoid unnecessary trips.
(2) Relaxed and free, not in a hurry
The third day
Dunhuang
Yadan Geopark is far away from the city, with a round trip of more than 300 kilometers. One day is specially arranged. The entire three-day trip is relatively easy and free, and there is no rush for time. basically
Dunhuang
The best attractions are included.
three,
Attraction introduction
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Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes, also known as Thousand Buddha Caves, are located in
Dunhuang
Southeast side of the city. It was built in the pre-Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, and has gone through the construction of the Sixteen Kingdoms, Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Xixia, Yuan and other dynasties. It has formed a huge scale, with 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and mud paintings. With 2,415 colorful sculptures, it is the largest and richest Buddhist art site in the world. In 1961, the Mogao Grottoes were announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 1987, the Mogao Grottoes were listed as a world cultural heritage. The Mogao Grottoes, together with the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, Gansu, are known as the four major grottoes in China.
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Mingsha Mountain-Crescent Moon Spring
Mingsha Mountain is located in
Dunhuang
The northern foot of Shaming Mountain, 6 kilometers south of the city, is named after the sound of moving sand. In ancient times, it was called “Shajiao Mountain” and “Shensha Mountain”. In deserts or dunes, due to the influence of various climatic and geographical factors, fine sand grains, mainly quartz, are vibrated by the wind, causing the sand to slide or move with each other. Many sand grains rotate in the airflow, and the surface is hollow, causing “diabolo” The place where the buzzing sound occurs is called the humming sand field.
“Mingsha Mountain-Crescent Spring” scenic spot is a national 5A-level scenic spot, located in
Dunhuang
About 5 kilometers south of the city, come here to enjoy the wonders of yellow sand and clear springs, climb Mingsha Mountain, ride a camel, and experience the extraordinary scenery of the northwest desert. The best time to visit the scenic spot is in the afternoon, so that you can avoid the scorching heat in the desert at noon, and when the sun sets, you can climb to the top of the mountain to look at the distant sand sea and the Crescent Moon Spring at the foot of the mountain.
The mountain body of Mingsha Mountain is made of quicksand. From a distance, the undulating sand dunes are spectacular. When tourists slide down from the top of the mountain, they will hear a thumping sound, like gongs and drums, which is frightening and exciting, hence the name Mingsha Mountain. Crescent Moon Spring is located at the foot of Mingsha Mountain and is surrounded by sand dunes. Due to the terrain, the sand does not move down the mountain when the wind blows, but flows up the mountain, so Crescent Moon Spring will never be buried by sand.
3.Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark
Yadan National Geological Park, also called Yadan Devil City, is located in
Dunhuang
It is about 108km northwest of the city and about 100km northwest of Yumen Pass. Yadan is full of magnets like “stone chocolate candy”, and the compass does not work here.
The “Yadan” landform is a typical wind-eroded landform. Its magnificence, majesty, weirdness and magic cannot be appreciated without visiting it in person. There are a variety of wind-eroded landforms with unique shapes scattered throughout the park, such as “Mongolian yurt”, “Camel”, “Stone Bird”, “Stone Man”, “Stone Buddha”, “Stone Horse”, etc. , lifelike. It is like an ancient city in the Middle Ages, and many of the world’s famous buildings can be found here, which amazes the world. After nightfall, the sharp wind makes a terrifying howl, like thousands of wild beasts roaring, which is terrifying, hence the name “Devil City”.
- West Thousand Buddha Cave
West Thousand Buddha Cave is located in
Dunhuang
The Mogao Grottoes are named after the west side. They were excavated on the cliffs on the banks of the Dang River. They were excavated earlier than
Dunhuang
The structure, painted sculptures, and artistic style of murals are very similar to the Mogao Grottoes. There are 16 caves in existence, but only 9 of them can be viewed. The murals are colorful, but the statues are basically destroyed. The other caves cannot be climbed and can only be viewed from the bottom of the cliff. Due to inconvenient transportation, far fewer people come here to appreciate it than at Mogao Grottoes.
- Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass was first placed when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty opened the road to the Western Regions and established the four counties of Hexi. It was named because jade was imported from the Western Regions through here.
During the Han Dynasty, it was the gateway to all parts of the Western Regions, and its original site was in present-day Gansu.
Dunhuang
Small Fangpan City in the northwest. Yumenguan, also known as Xiaofangpan City, was built around 111 BC. It is the choke point of the Silk Road leading to the North Road of the Western Regions. It is located in
Dunhuang
90 kilometers northwest of the city in the Gobi Desert. Guancheng is square, and the loess barrier is well preserved. The city wall is 10 meters high, 3 meters wide at the top, and 5 meters wide at the bottom. It is 24 meters long from east to west, 26.4 meters wide from north to south, and covers an area of 633 square meters. There is one gate in the northwest.
At that time, at Yumen Pass, there were camels ringing loudly, people shouting and horses neighing, caravans coming in droves, and envoys coming and going, it was a prosperous scene. Climb the ancient pass and look into the distance. There are swamps all around, ravines and ravines, the Great Wall is winding, beacons stand tall, poplars are tall and tall, and springs are green. Red willow flowers, swaying reeds, and the majestic appearance of the ancient pass complement each other, making people fascinated, with mixed feelings, and nostalgia for the past.
Four,
Recommended more classic routes:
If you have enough time, it is recommended that you choose a day of the classic large-loop route in northwest China - Qinghai
Dunhuang
Grand Ring Line, this is the most classic route for traveling in Qinghai and Gansu. It is better to travel this way than simply traveling
Dunhuang
The price-performance ratio should be improved several levels. Here is an introduction for you:
one. Grand Ring Line
(1) Brief description: The Grand Ring Line is the best route to visit Qinghai and Gansu. The travel time ranges from 6 to 8 days. Due to space constraints, we only talk about the eight-day tour here. Other travel routes can be explored further.
(2) Itinerary map
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In order to prevent theft of the picture, the complete picture is not given here. The complete picture has more and more complete information. For the complete and clear large picture, you can leave a message or private message with me)
(3) Itinerary planning
The new itinerary has added a beautiful scenery on the Grand Ring Road - Emerald Lake. You can click on my avatar to get the new one or leave a message
(4) Itinerary features:
The perfect combination of cultural scenery and natural scenery. The landscape has many highlights, mature lines and high ornamental value.
Four. Introduction to main attractions
- Kumbum Temple
Introduction:
Kumbum Monastery is located in Huangzhong County, Xining, with a history of more than 400 years. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Gelug Sect (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect. The temple has magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and a strong religious atmosphere. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Xining and is a national 5A-level attraction.
- Qinghai Lake
Introduction:
Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake in China and the origin of the name of Qinghai Province. The lake area is vast, with a circumference of about 360 kilometers. The lake is vast, blue and ethereal. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and close to the lakeside is the vast grassland. The scenery is spectacular and beautiful, and there are many areas and landscapes for viewing. It is a national 5A-level scenic spot and is the most important scenic spot for visiting Qinghai.
- Chaka Salt Lake
Introduction:
Chaka Salt Lake is located in Chaka Town, Ulan County, on the west side of Qinghai Lake, about 100 kilometers away from Heimahe Township in the Qinghai Lake area. It is a salt field with more than 3,000 years of history. Many tourists visiting Qinghai Lake will visit here. Chaka is Mongolian, meaning “salt sea”. The lake area and water depth of Chaka Salt Lake are obviously affected by the Xiang Festival. In the rainy season, the lake area can reach 104 square kilometers, which is equivalent to more than ten times that of West Lake in Hangzhou. In the dry season, the lake area is significantly reduced, making it a 3A-level scenic spot.
4.Zhuoer Mountain
Introduction:
Zhuoer Mountain is a branch of the Qilian Mountains, presenting a hilly grassland scenery, and its own landform belongs to the Danxia landform (called “Zongmuma Glaima” in Tibetan, meaning the beautiful ruddy queen). The exposed parts of the mountain are It is red sandstone, intertwined with green grassland, very beautiful. Coupled with the forests, rapeseed flowers, villages, and county towns on both sides of the mountains, the scenery has a strong sense of hierarchy. It is also a favorite of photographers and is a national 4A-level scenic spot.
- Menyuan Flower Sea
Introduction:
Menyuan County is located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It has the largest rape flower base in Qinghai and is also the main oil production area in the northwest region. Different from the south, July every year is the season when rapeseed flowers bloom here, and the Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers Scenic Area is a national 4A-level scenic spot.
Rapeseed flowers are not uncommon and can be found in many places, but the ones in Menyuan County are completely different from those in the south. Starting from Qingshizui in the west, Yulongtan in the east, Lenglongling on the border with Gansu in the north, and Daban Mountain in the south, Menyuan rapeseed flowers stretch for nearly 100 kilometers. Looking at it, the entire rapeseed field is like a golden sea that cannot be seen at a glance. In the end, against the blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains of the plateau, there is an overwhelming Northwest style.
- Qilian Mountain Grassland
The average altitude of the Qilian Mountains is between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. The long and wide glaciers formed by the snow in the mountains are spectacular. Places with an altitude above 4,000 meters are called the snow line. Above the snow line in the Qilian Mountains, rebellious biological wonders often appear. Among the mountains with light snow, there are mushroom-shaped silkworms called snow mountain meadow plants, precious medicinal materials - alpine snow lotus, and a kind of snow mountain grass that grows under wind-eroded rocks. Therefore, snow lotus, silkworm, and snow mountain grass are collectively known as the “Three Friends of Suihan” on the snow line of Qilian Mountain.
7.Bird Island
Bird Island is located on the west side of the lake in the west of Qinghai Lake. It is divided into two islands, one large and one small. The larger one is called Haixipi Island and the smaller one is called Haixi Mountain. It is also called Egg Island because bird eggs are scattered all over it during the egg-laying period. Bird Island is a paradise for birds beside Qinghai Lake. Hundreds of thousands of birds come to rest here every year from April to June at the turn of spring and summer. It is very spectacular and is one of the key scenic spots for tourists to enjoy Qinghai Lake.
Haisipi Island is larger in area and has dense vegetation. In the east is a huge rock cliff close to the lake. This is the kingdom of cormorants and other birds. The cormorant nests are connected continuously on the rock wall in the east, like a castle made of bird’s nests.
The original area of Haixi Mountain was very small. In recent years, it has expanded due to the drop in water levels. It is about 1,500 meters long. The island has a gentle terrain, which is suitable for birds to build nests. There are bird nests all over the island. There are many birds on the island during the right season. , there are about 100,000 of them. The local people usually call it Bird Island to refer to this small island. Every spring, dozens of species of birds, including bar-headed geese, fish gulls, and brown-necked gulls, come here to build nests, including a variety of rare birds. During the spawning season, nests of bird eggs are densely packed, so people also call this island Egg Island.
After entering the Bird Island Scenic Area, you need to take a battery car in the scenic area, which is about 3 kilometers, and then walk for 1 kilometer to reach the two bird watching platforms on the two islands. In order to protect the birds, some places are now isolated by glass. Standing on the bird-watching platform and looking eastward, the lake is blue and majestic, and the birds are flying and landing densely and busily. It is very spectacular and is also a good opportunity to take photos.
Naturally, you can’t miss delicious food when you go out for fun. Let me introduce to you the delicious food in Qinghai:
There are many delicacies in Qinghai, among which Qinghai’s
Beef and mutton taste tender and plump
And famous, there are others
Qinghai old yogurt, stuffed skin, sweet fermented grains
and other specialties
- Hand-caught mutton
Hand-caught mutton is a traditional food loved by the Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Uighur and other ethnic groups in northwest my country. Hand-caught mutton has a history of nearly a thousand years and was originally named after being eaten with hands.
As the name suggests, you need to eat mutton in a unique way of grabbing and tearing it with your hands, or cutting it with a hidden knife. Although this way of eating is no longer used with the development of the times, the name is still passed down to this day. The meat is red, fat and white, fat but not greasy, oily and crispy, tender, smooth and very delicious. The meat tastes delicious. If you don’t particularly like mutton, you can try it. It doesn’t have a strong mutton smell.
2.Sheep intestine noodles
Sheep intestine noodles are a common snack in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It uses sheep intestines as the main ingredient and is eaten with hot soup and cut noodles. The method is to wash the large and small intestines of the sheep without peeling the oil from the intestinal wall, add mushy bean flour with onion, ginger, pepper, refined salt and other seasonings, pierce the mouth and cook, and add it to the soup for cooking the sheep intestines. A soup made of cooked diced radish, diced onions and garlic.
More delicious food, waiting for you to discover it for yourself Waiting for you to discover it for yourself!
Enjoy the scenery along the way (there are too many scenery, so you can ignore them):
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