Just 4 km from the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring scenic spot and about 18 km from the Mogao Caves, the Dunhuang International Desert Camping Base offers a grander, more open desert landscape than other places nearby. Nearly 50 camping operators are spread out across this vast site, stretching 4 km east to west and 1 km north to south.

Open year-round (best from late April to mid-October), the base provides accommodation ranging from stylish desert tents to hotels. Arrive around sunset (6 pm) to try sandboarding, off-road motorbikes and driving, then watch the dunes glow in a "tangerine-sea" sunset. Evenings feature hotpot or barbecue buffet dinners, bonfire parties with singing and dancing, and stargazing under a clear desert sky. Wake early for sunrise the next morning before returning to the city – an unforgettable way to experience Dunhuang's desert romance.

If you go:

Address: Group four, Heshui village, Yueyaquan town, Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu province
Opening hours: Open 24 hours year-round
Admission: Free entry if you have booked a hotel or tent inside the base
Tel: (+86-0937) 8691400