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; prices vary by date, zone, and package.
Hours
Follow the time shown on your performance ticket; arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Transport
No direct metro; 7970 Yangguan East Road, near the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center.
Duration
About 70-75 minutes, plus entry time
Best Time
Year-round indoor activity; choose a ticketed showtime that fits your itinerary
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Buy a separate ticket and choose the viewing area for your group
Music of Dunhuang is not included with Mogao Grottoes admission, so choose the viewing area according to each traveller's mobility.
Tip:Buying a zone that requires repeated movement for older visitors or children can make the whole performance tiring.
2
Go to the theatre at 7970 Yangguan East Road
The venue is near the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center and has a different location from the Encore Dunhuang Theatre.
Tip:Do not confuse the two performances when arranging transport.
3
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the ticketed start
Use the time to collect tickets and enter. The show lasts about 70-75 minutes.
Tip:Late arrivals may not be admitted once moving sections have begun and cannot easily make up the missed material.
4
Match the zone to the visitor's ability to move and stand
Visitors who can walk and stand for short periods can choose a walk-through viewing area; older visitors, children, or anyone who should not stand for long should choose the fixed-seat C Zone.
Tip:The show involves moving, standing, and sitting in different spaces, so the wrong zone directly affects comfort for the full performance.
Highlights
- A cave-style immersive theatre that advances through different spaces.
- Combines live performance, projection, and Dunhuang music-and-dance elements.
- Features reconstructed ancient instruments and dance forms inspired by murals.
- Lasts about 70-75 minutes and works as a standalone afternoon or evening activity.
Insider Tips
✦Ticket prices and performance times vary by date, zone, and package. Choose the area that suits your group's seating needs before securing a time.
✦The fixed-seat C Zone is better for visitors who should not stand or walk continuously.
✦Wear flat, comfortable shoes; some viewing sections move between spaces.
✦The theatre air conditioning can be strong, so bring a light layer even in summer.
✦Follow the on-site photography and recording rules during the performance, and avoid flash, which can disrupt performers and projections.
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
04Historic Walk
Encore Dunhuang Show
又见敦煌演出
Adults Focused
Admission
Separate performance ticket required; choose a ticketed showtime.
Typical Visit
About 90 minutes, plus entry time
05Food District
Shazhou Night Market
沙洲夜市
All Ages
Admission
Free entry.
Typical Visit
1-3 hours
06Historic 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