This is a meticulously crafted town of architecture imitating the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) styles, rich in Xiyu (Western Regions) flair and famed as a filming location for more than 20 Chinese and international productions. Walking here feels like stepping back a thousand years, when Dunhuang stood as a vital stronghold on China's northwest frontier.

Three town gates rise against the desert sky, solemn and majestic. Along five main streets – Gaochang, Dunhuang, Ganzhou, Xingqing, and Bianliang – you can explore architectural styles from different regions of ancient China. Temples, pawnshops, warehouses, taverns, and residences line the streets, creating an immersive, bustling world where history comes alive.

If you go:
Address: On the desert 18 km southwest of downtown Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu province
Opening hours: 8 am-6:30 pm
Admission: 50 yuan ($7.17); half price for students and people aged 60-69
Tel: (+86-0937) 8837353