Silk Road

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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain 492 cave temples carved into a cliff face near Dunhuang. Created over 1,000 years from the 4th to 14th centuries, the caves house some of the world's finest Buddhist art, including 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,000 painted sculptures. The caves were sealed in the 11th century and rediscovered in 1900.

What to See & Do

Cave 96 with the 35.5m Maitreya Buddha statue
Flying Apsaras murals depicting celestial dancers
Library Cave (Cave 17) where manuscripts were found
Nine-story pagoda marking the cave complex
Digital exhibition center with virtual cave tours

Visitor Tips

1.Book tickets at least 7 days in advance online
2.Only 8 caves are open per visit, rotated regularly
3.Photography strictly prohibited inside caves
4.Visit the digital exhibition center first
5.Allow 3-4 hours including the exhibition

Visit Mogao Caves (Dunhuang) with QTour

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

Plan My Trip

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 with 8 caves)

Best Season

May-October

Suggested Duration

3-4 hours

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Explore Silk Road

Follow the ancient Silk Road through Xi'an, Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, and the desert landscapes of Xinjiang.

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