Gansu Dunhuang: Summer Tourism Booms with Diverse Experiences Attracting Visitors

This summer, Gansu's Dunhuang has become a hotspot for tourism. Beyond traditional sightseeing, visitors can now enjoy a range of unique experiences, from stargazing concerts on the dunes of Mingshan Mountain to tasting local delicacies at night markets, and even exploring the Dunhuang Print Shop for a cultural and educational adventure.

Sand Dunes Turn into a Starry Ocean, Captivating Thousands

"The stargazing concert was the highlight of our honeymoon trip," said He Yan from Hubei province. On July 23, he and his wife arrived early at Mingshan Mountain's Moon牙泉 (Yueyaquan) scenic area, where they enjoyed a camel ride before climbing the dunes to find the best spot for the concert under the stars.

As night deepened, the stargazing concert officially began. The call to "Join the rhythm and have fun!" instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the crowd on the dunes. Visitors held up glow sticks and lit up their phone flashlights, singing together in harmony.

After a few songs, hundreds of drones danced in the sky above Yueyaquan, creating vivid patterns of the Nine-Story Tower of the Mogao Caves and flying celestial beings. The blend of music and light left the audience cheering, turning the dunes into a sea of joy.

"This event is amazing," said Li Nan from Henan province. "The vibrant atmosphere instantly relieves stress, and I just want to sing freely."

According to Li Xiaoqing, deputy director of the scenic area's service center, the venue has undergone upgrades this year, including improved audio systems, rest seats, cooling mist, night lighting, and emergency facilities, all aimed at enhancing visitor satisfaction.

Night Market Upgrades Ignite the 'Night Economy'

As the music from the stargazing concert faded, the Dunhuang night market remained vibrant and bustling. Tourists from all over gathered, their laughter, chatter, and calls blending together to create a lively atmosphere.

The market offered a variety of local delicacies, from sizzling skewers and sweet and crispy bubble oil cakes to refreshing cold sand葱. Visitors praised the unique flavors, with one Beijing tourist saying, "The 'Hexi Stomach' (a local specialty) was the best I've ever had, and the apricot tea was a refreshing discovery."

As visitors moved deeper into the night market, local agricultural by-products like Dunhuang dates and Li Guang apricot脯 were on display, along with handicrafts and cultural and creative products such as carved gourds and Dunhuang-themed silk scarves.

"Every building and every product here reflects the essence of Dunhuang," said Wang Jin from Jiangsu province. "The management is also very good; the streets are clean and tidy."

This year, Dunhuang has implemented comprehensive upgrades to the night market's infrastructure, integrating elements of Dunhuang murals and the Silk Road culture. The market now offers immersive dining spaces, unique cultural and creative products, and themed interactive activities, further enriching the tourist experience. According to Zhao Pengfei, the manager of the night market, the introduction of immersive scenarios such as the 'Yangguan General' and 'Western Princess' night parades has continuously boosted Dunhuang's nighttime cultural and tourism economy.

Stamps as a Medium, Unveiling New Experiences

On a hot summer afternoon, stepping into the Dunhuang Print Shop, visitors are greeted by a cool breeze mixed with the scent of ink. This cultural space, which combines seal carving, education, exhibitions, and cultural and creative products, has become a must-visit hotspot since its opening in 2024. Every corner is filled with Dunhuang-themed elements.

Here, Dunhuang culture collides with traditional seal carving, creating unique charm. From exquisite flying celestial patterns to seals depicting Dunhuang's historical stories, each one is cherished by visitors. The shop offers more than 30 traditional and modern printing techniques, such as block printing, roller printing, thousand-character printing, and digital jet printing, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Dunhuang culture through interactive activities.

"I want to collect all these stamp patterns and take them back to show my classmates," said a child who was gathering various stamp designs.

In the educational area, visitors can also participate in activities such as mural copying, tin foil relief, and "Create a Book in Dunhuang." As a teacher guided children in copying the "Beautiful Lady Bodhisattva" from the Mogao Caves murals, one student from Xinjiang, Yang Qingyue, said, "After visiting the Mogao Caves, I felt the deep connection between Dunhuang's culture and the art."