DDaofeng006During the May Day holiday, we traveled to Dunhuang. The hotel was very unique, located in the desert, with a typical Northwest and Xinjiang folk house style, yet it exuded a sense of elegance. The room facilities were complete, and the service was thoughtful. There were a few things that pleasantly surprised me: first, they proactively provided and covered the bathtub with a liner; second, they offered a complimentary laundry service once; and although breakfast officially ended at 10:30 AM, they were considerate of late sleepers and still provided a rich breakfast spread even after the cut-off time. While the breakfast options were limited, they were exquisite and distinctive, leaving us very satisfied. The hotel's travel photography service is highly recommended; the results were excellent – it would be a shame to miss it! Overall, Dunhuang is a very worthwhile travel destination. We spent four nights and three full days, which was quite leisurely. On the first day, we visited Yumenguan Pass and Yadan National Geological Park. We set off around noon and these two spots were conveniently located in the same direction. At Yumenguan Pass, we only explored the Small Square City and didn't go further. Then we headed to Yadan. I recommend chartering a car for the tour, as it offers much more freedom. Otherwise, taking a taxi means a two-hour journey each way. A private car allows you to see some hidden gems and control your time, as most of the scenery is somewhat similar, and too much can lead to aesthetic fatigue. On the second day, we went to the Mogao Grottoes. Remember to book tickets in advance; ours was for 3 PM. First, you watch a film at the digital center, then take their provided transport to the grottoes. Each group is assigned a guide who explains everything during the tour. This model is excellent as it protects the cultural relics while allowing you to appreciate their essence. I recommend it to those visiting Xi'an's Terracotta Army, so you don't just see a sea of tourists' heads. On the last day, after 4 PM, we went to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. The sun wasn't as intense then, and you can buy tickets at the entrance anytime. The scenery was magnificent, and Crescent Spring was beautiful; I was surprised at how well it's preserved. We skipped the evening's large chorus as we weren't young enough for that. In general, Dunhuang is indeed a great place to visit, and it's well worth coming here. Don't worry about the service; the local government is very dedicated. Lastly, Dunhuang Night Market, also known as Shazhou Night Market, is worth a try for its flavors and atmosphere.
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