Dunhuang Night Market

敦煌夜市（沙州夜市）

Shazhou Night Market in the city center, known for donkey-meat noodles, apricot-kernel drink, grilled meat and luminous cup crafts. It is where Dunhuang locals gather in the evening.

Shazhou Night Market (Dunhuang Night Market) is on Yangguan East Road in the city center. It is Dunhuang’s largest night market and has two sections: a food area and a crafts area. The food area is known for grilled meats (lamb skewers, lamb ribs, grilled fish), big plate chicken, pimi noodles (liangpi), and jiangshui noodles. Dunhuang’s local specialties are donkey-meat yellow noodles (try Shunzhang Yellow Noodle House or Dajia Jiang Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles, which also has shops in town), Hu-mutton braised flatbread, apricot-kernel drink, and Li Guang apricots. The crafts area sells luminous cups, cultural products inspired by Dunhuang murals, silk scarves and jade, and prices are negotiable. The Danghe River Riverside Scenic Line and the Flying Pipa statue beside the market are downtown landmarks, and you can stroll along the river after dinner. Because sunset comes late in Dunhuang, the market only gets lively after 9 p.m. and stays open until late at night. Prices are reasonable overall but slightly higher in the tourist zone, so walk around and compare before ordering. Other evening options nearby include “Once Upon a Time in Dunhuang,” an immersive walking show of about two hours next to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center, and the dance drama “Silk Road Flower Rain.” You can combine these with the market in one evening. Note: the market is crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. Grilling stalls produce a lot of smoke, so people sensitive to smoke should choose an indoor restaurant.

Dunhuang Night Market

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby