Tourists advancing by camel in Dunhuang (Source: Xinhua)

Numerous tourists have been attracted to the scenic spots of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake in Dunhuang City, northwest China’s Gansu Province. These scenic spots have received nearly 300,000 tourists in the past seven months, reaching a new high in recent years.

Why has Dunhuang attracted so many tourists? A closer look makes the answer very clear.

Introduction to Dunhuang

The desert in Dunhuang (Source: Xinhua)

Throughout over 2,000 years of history, Dunhuang has always served as a critical gateway to the west because of its unique geographical position — at the juncture of Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang provinces. It was an important hub of the Silk Road. During ancient times, several emperors built and renovated fortifications in Dunhuang.