What are the famous attractions in Dunhuang (Exploring Dunhuang: Revealing the famous attractions such as Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang)

Dunhuang, located in the northwest of Gansu Province, China, is an important node on the Silk Road. It is world-famous for its rich history, culture and magnificent natural scenery. This ancient city has many famous attractions, including Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain and other famous attractions. This article will take you to explore Dunhuang and reveal these fascinating attractions.

1. Mogao Grottoes

The Mogao Grottoes are one of the most famous attractions in Dunhuang and one of the best preserved Buddhist art treasures in the world. The Mogao Grottoes are located on the east bank of the Mogao River about 25 kilometers east of Dunhuang City. They were first built in the pre-Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms period and went through the Sixteen Kingdoms, Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Xixia, Yuan and other historical periods. The rise and fall of the country formed its current scale.

There are 735 caves in the Mogao Grottoes, with the number of murals reaching 45,000 square meters and the number of sculptures exceeding 24,000, covering various aspects such as Buddhist stories, historical figures, and social life. These murals and sculptures not only have extremely high artistic value, but are also of great significance to the study of ancient Chinese society, religion, art and other fields.

2. Mingsha Mountain

Mingsha Mountain is another famous attraction in Dunhuang, located about 25 kilometers west of Dunhuang City. This mountain is named Mingsha Mountain because the sand and soil on the mountain are rich in quartz minerals. When the wind blows over the sand dunes, it will make a pleasant "sand roar" sound.

Mingsha Mountain not only attracts many tourists with its unique desert landscape, but also has many other attractions worth visiting. For example, Crescent Moon Spring is located on the southwest side of Mingsha Mountain. It is an oasis surrounded by sand dunes, forming a unique landscape. In addition, tourists can also experience interesting activities such as sandboarding and camel riding on Mingsha Mountain, and enjoy the fun of desert travel.

3. Dunhuang Academy

The Dunhuang Academy is an institution specializing in the research and protection of Dunhuang culture, and is also one of the important bases for Dunhuang research. The institute has multiple research institutions such as the Dunhuang Research Center and the Dunhuang Academy of Art, and has gathered a large number of scholars and experts.

The Dunhuang Academy is not only committed to the protection and restoration of the Mogao Grottoes and other Dunhuang cultural heritage, but also carries out a large number of research and academic exchange activities. Every year, scholars from all over the world come to the Dunhuang Academy to discuss the treasures of Dunhuang culture.

4. Dunhuang Documents

Dunhuang Documents refer to the large number of documents, portraits and scriptures found in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. They are one of the important materials for studying ancient Chinese culture and history. one. Most of these documents were discovered in the early 20th century, and their quantity and rich content are shocking.

Dunhuang documents contain a large number of Buddhist classics, historical documents, literary works, etc., which are of great value for the study of ancient Chinese culture, religion, society and other fields. Among them, the most famous is the "Dunhuang Posthumous Notes", whichIt is a pearl in the history of ancient Chinese culture and is known as the "Library of the East".

Conclusion

Dunhuang, as a city with rich history, culture and natural scenery, has many famous attractions . Attractions such as Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain attract the attention of countless tourists with their unique charm, while the Dunhuang Academy and Dunhuang Documents provide researchers with a window into Dunhuang culture.

If you plan a trip to Dunhuang, don’t miss these famous attractions. Appreciate the beauty of the murals in the Mogao Grottoes, experience the desert journey in Mingsha Mountain, visit the Dunhuang Academy to learn about the research work of Dunhuang culture, and read Dunhuang documents to feel the brilliance of ancient wisdom. I believe these experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories.