Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Of the 492 caves, 20 'open' caves are rotated fairly regularly, so recom-
mendations are useless, but tours always include the two big
Buddhas
,
34.5m and 26m tall respectively. It's also possible to visit some of the more un-
usual caves for ¥100 to ¥500 per cave.
Photography is strictly prohibited everywhere within the fenced-off caves
area. And if it's raining, snowing or sand storming, the caves will be closed.
Getting There & Away
The Mogao Caves are 25km (30 minutes) southeast from Dunhuang. The first
green bus (one way ¥8) leaves at 8am or 9am (and possibly other times de-
pending on the season, so enquire at the Western cafes) from the intersection
across from the Dunhuang Hotel; buses return at noon, 2pm and 4pm. A re-
turn taxi costs from ¥100 to ¥150 for a day whereas you can usually find a taxi
willing to just take you back to Dunhuang from the caves for ¥40.
