China Guide
The Northwest
Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves
An oasis town perched right on the outer periphery of old Chinese Turkestan, DUNHUANG has always been literally on the edge of the desert – from downtown you can see giant, spectacular sand dunes at the bottom of the street, and winds can whip up abrasive yellow sandstorms. Dunhuang's fame rests on the astonishing artwork at the nearby Mogao Caves, and the town has become something of a desert resort for visiting them, with inexpensive hotels, lots of English-language menus in the restaurants and friendly people.
The town itself is made up of a few ordinary, appealing streets. On the main street east, Yangguan Dong Lu, there's the interesting Shazhou night market selling food and souvenirs every summer evening, where you can stroll with no pressure to buy. Coins, jade articles, Buddhas, Tibetan bells and horns, leather shadow puppets, scroll paintings and Chinese chops are all on sale.
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