Dunhuang, Guazhou and the Lenghu Desert
A day loop to Guazhou's Yulin Caves on top of the Dunhuang east and west routes, then across Dangjin Pass to Lenghu to see Heidu Mountain and the Mars Camp.
For the first four days, use the city as a base to complete the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Shan, the western route and a one-day loop to the Yulin Caves in Guazhou; for the last three days, self-drive or charter a car south over Dangjin Pass into Lenghu in Qinghai to see Heidu Mountain, the ruins of an oil base and the Ebo Liang Yardang; spend a night at the Mars Camp under the stars, then return to Dunhuang. Suits travelers who want to see more desolate landscapes beyond the city; the later stretch involves long drives and an altitude of nearly 3,000 m.
Dangjin Pass may be snow-covered in winter; the Mars Camp is occasionally closed for scientific activities, so check before setting out.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Mingsha Shan at Sunset
Dunhuang（Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake、Dunhuang Night Market）
About 15 minutes from the airport to the city; in the evening, take a taxi about 15 minutes to Mingsha Shan.
Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City
Day 2 · Mogao Caves and Once More, Dunhuang
Dunhuang（Mogao Caves、Encore Dunhuang）
About 30 minutes by taxi to the Mogao Caves; in the evening, go to the theater for the show, then return to town.
Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City
Day 3 · Western Route: Yangguan, Yumen Pass and the Yardang
Dunhuang（Yangguan Pass、Yumen Pass、Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins, Dunhuang、Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark）
Self-drive the western loop, about 350 km; after Yangguan and Yumen Pass, go to the Yardang for sunset and return to town.
Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City
Day 4 · One-Day Loop to Yulin Caves in Guazhou
Guazhou（Yulin Grottoes、Suoyang City Ruins、Son of the Earth Sculpture）
About 170 km east from Dunhuang to the Yulin Caves, then return to town via Suoyang City and the Children of the Earth sculpture; about 400 km in total for the day.
Standard tickets for the Yulin Caves are bought on site; special caves require an extra fee.
Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City
Day 5 · Over Dangjin Pass to Lenghu
Dunhuang（Dangjin Pass） → Lenghu（Heidu Mountain、Lenghu Oil Base Ruins）
Head south from Dunhuang along G215, cross Dangjin Pass into Qinghai; about 300 km to Lenghu, roughly 4 hours.
Lenghu sits at about 2,700 m; fill up with fuel, and book accommodation early since the town has limited lodging.
Stay: Lenghu Town
Day 6 · Ebo Liang and the Mars Camp
Lenghu（Eboliang Yardang、Lenghu Mars Camp）
From Lenghu town, drive about 30 km west on S305, then turn onto a dirt road into the Yardang area; a four-wheel-drive or local off-road vehicle is recommended.
Signal is weak along the route, so bring plenty of water and fuel; nights are cold, so pack warm clothes for stargazing.
Stay: Lenghu Mars Camp
Day 7 · Return to Dunhuang and Departure
From the Mars Camp back to Lenghu town, then over Dangjin Pass to Dunhuang, about 350 km and 5–6 hours; catch a late flight.