My friend flew 4 hours to Dunhuang for the Mogao Caves and almost couldn't get in
My friend Chris from Toronto is an art history nerd. He planned his entire China trip around the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.He flew from Xi'an to Dunhuang. Beautiful flight over the Gobi Desert. Landed excited. Took a taxi to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center.
Walked up to the ticket counter.
"Sorry, no tickets today. Sold out."
Chris: "What? It's Tuesday in March. How is it sold out?"
The staff member explained: daily visitor numbers are capped at 6,000 during peak season (April–November). Even in March, tour groups book months ahead.
Chris had not booked in advance.
He almost cried.
How he salvaged it:
He bought an emergency "B ticket" (¥100) which includes:
• 4 caves (instead of the standard 8)
• No digital films
• No English-speaking guide
He said it was still "absolutely worth it." But he regretted not booking the full experience.
What you need to know about Mogao Caves tickets:
A Ticket (Standard):
• Price: ¥238 (foreign visitors)
• Includes: 8 caves, 2 digital films, shuttle bus, English guide
• Must book 30 days ahead during peak season (April–Nov)
• Book 7 days ahead during off-season (Dec–March)
• Website: www.mgk.org.cn
• Daily cap: 6,000 visitors
B Ticket (Emergency):
• Price: ¥100
• Includes: 4 caves only
• Available same-day at the visitor center
• No films, no guarantee of English guide
Special Cave Ticket:
• For serious art/history buffs
• Access to caves not on the standard route
• Must be booked in advance, limited daily slots
Getting to Dunhuang:
By air:
Dunhuang Airport (DNH) has direct flights from Xi'an, Beijing, Chengdu, Lanzhou.
Taxi to city center: ¥30–50, 30 minutes.
By train:
Overnight trains from Lanzhou (13 hours) or Xi'an (12 hours).
Note: The "Dunhuang Station" is actually in Liuyuan, 130km away. You need a bus transfer.
Within a Silk Road trip:
Lanzhou → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang → Turpan → Urumqi
Best time to visit:
• April–early June: Mild temps, manageable crowds, clear desert light
• July–August: Peak season. Book 60 days ahead. Over 38°C.
• September–October: Cooling temps, golden light. Book ahead.
• November–March: Quietest, half-price tickets after December. Some caves closed for maintenance.
Rules inside the caves:
❌ No photography (the light damages the murals)
❌ No touching anything
❌ No loud talking
✅ Photos allowed outside at the Nine-Story Pavilion
Chris's verdict: "The 4 caves I saw were the most incredible art I've ever seen in person. 1,000 years of Buddhist history carved into desert cliffs. But book the A ticket. Trust me."
Anyone else visited Mogao? Did you book ahead or wing it?
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