01City Guide
Mogao Caves
莫高窟
All Ages
Admission
Reservation required; choose a regular or emergency visit online.
Typical Visit
Half a day
Quick Facts
Ticket
Separate performance ticket required; choose a ticketed showtime.
Hours
Follow the time shown on your performance ticket; arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Transport
No direct metro; the theatre is west of the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center.
Duration
About 90 minutes, plus entry time
Best Time
Year-round indoor activity; arrange transfers around the ticketed showtime
Visitors
Adults
How to Visit
1
Buy a separate show ticket and use its time to anchor the day
Mogao Grottoes admission does not include this performance, so keep a buffer between a cave visit and the ticketed start.
Tip:Placing the show immediately after Mogao Caves with no buffer can mean missing entry.
2
Navigate to the correct theatre
Go to the Encore Dunhuang Theatre on the west side of the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center, not North Street in Dunhuang.
Tip:Going to the wrong location directly affects entry, especially when driving or arriving from the city.
3
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show
Use the time for ticket collection, storage, and entry. The performance lasts about 90 minutes and begins with a walk-through section.
Tip:Arriving just before the start increases the risk of queues and missing the opening.
4
Wear comfortable flat shoes and travel light
The first scenes require following the actors through different spaces, while large bags, food, and drinks add storage and entry delays.
Tip:This is not a fully seated performance, so limited mobility or discomfort in crowded moving groups can affect the visit.
Highlights
- Several performance spaces are linked together, and the audience moves with the story.
- The early part is walk-through viewing, while later sections provide seating.
- The content draws on Dunhuang historical figures, the Mogao Grottoes, and the Library Cave.
- It works as a separate activity near the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center.
Insider Tips
✦This is not a fully seated performance; visitors with limited mobility, difficulty standing, or discomfort in crowded moving groups should choose carefully.
✦In peak season, secure a performance time before arranging city transfers and dinner.
✦The theatre can feel cool because of air conditioning, so bring a light layer.
✦If returning to the city after the show, arrange a transfer or ride-hailing plan in advance rather than leaving transport until the crowd exits.
✦If carrying large bags, food, or drinks, allow time for storage.
More Dunhuang Attractions
02City Guide
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake
鸣沙山月牙泉
All Ages
Admission
CNY 110 peak-season adult ticket; passport adult tickets are available. Shuttles and activities cost extra.
Typical Visit
3-5 hours; longer if adding a later dune climb
03Historic Walk
Dunhuang Museum
敦煌博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Individual visitors collect an entry ticket with valid ID; groups reserve in advance.
Typical Visit
2-2.5 hours
04Food District
Shazhou Night Market
沙洲夜市
All Ages
Admission
Free entry.
Typical Visit
1-3 hours
05Historic Walk
Yangguan Scenic Area
阳关景区
All Ages
Admission
CNY 50 admission plus a CNY 20 sightseeing bus; CNY 90 combined admission ticket with Yumen Pass, with sightseeing buses extra.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
06Historic Walk
Yumen Pass
玉门关
All Ages
Admission
CNY 40 admission plus a CNY 50 sightseeing bus; CNY 90 combined admission ticket with Yangguan, with sightseeing buses extra.
Typical Visit
2.5-3 hours