Gansu

Mogao Caves (Dunhuang)

A UNESCO site with 492 cave temples containing some of the world's finest Buddhist art spanning 1,000 years.

History & Background

The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang contain 492 cave temples with Buddhist art spanning 1,000 years from the 4th to 14th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves house 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,000 painted sculptures. The Library Cave (Cave 17) contained tens of thousands of manuscripts discovered in 1900, revolutionizing understanding of Silk Road history.

What to See & Do

Cave 96 with the 35.5m Maitreya Buddha
Flying Apsaras murals in multiple caves
Library Cave where manuscripts were found
Nine-story pagoda marking the complex
Digital exhibition center with virtual tours

Visitor Tips

1.Book tickets at least 7 days in advance
2.Only 8 caves open per visit, rotated regularly
3.No photography inside caves
4.Visit digital center first for context
5.Allow 3-4 hours total

Visit Mogao Caves (Dunhuang) with QTour

Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.

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Quick Info

Opening Hours

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (May-Oct), 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Nov-Apr)

Ticket Price

CNY 238 (normal ticket)

Best Season

May-October

Suggested Duration

3-4 hours

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Explore Gansu

Gansu Province is the heart of the Silk Road in China, home to the Mogao Caves, Rainbow Mountains, and the Tibetan monastery of Labrang.

Gansu Guide