Dunhuang is an ancient city of culture.
  In a key strategic position in controlling Yangguan Pass in the south and Yumen Pass in the north, it was originally an important post on the ancient Silk Road and a famous town in guaranteeing the frontier territory of the country in history.
  Not far away from the county town of Dunhuang are Mogao Grottoes, a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art, and Western Thousand-Buddha Caves. Mogao Grottoes, also going by the name of Thousand-Buddha Caves were first cut in 366 into the cliff faces of Whistling Sand Hill.

  The honeycomb-like grottoes extend over 1.6 kilometres. Altogether 492 caves are extant with superb murals, which cover a total area of 45,000 square metres, and 2,100 colour statues, of which the highest is 33 metres. As the fruit of culture exchange among nations and between the East and the West, Dunhuang art is a bright pearl in the art treasure house of the Chinese Nation. Western Thousand-Buddha Caves, cut in the later period of the Northern Dynasties (386--581), possess 19 caves.

  Whistling Sand Hill is six kilometres south of Dunhuang, acquiring its name from the sound wet sand produces when the wind blows. Jiayu Pass, some 200 kilometres east of Dunhuang, is known as the "Great Pass Under Heaven", providing passage on the Silk Road, at the western end of the Great Wall. Service for tourist accommodation and food is provided by the Dunhuang Hotel. Direct flights go from Dunhuang to Lanzhou.