Updated on Mar. 28, 2025
The workshop will be held in Dunhuang, Gansu, China. Dunhuang, a renowned historical and cultural city, is located in the west part of Gansu province, China. As an important part of the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang has a history of more than 2000 years, and is known for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mogao Grottoes and Crescent Moon Spring. It is a great place to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, deepen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
As an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang once presided over the only channel from China's Central Plains to Central Asia and even to Europe. The "world's four ancient civilizations" of China, India, Greece, and Islam co-mingled there, making Dunhuang an international stage full of exotic customs and ancient legends.
Located at the westernmost end of the Hexi Corridor, Dunhuang is a county-level city in Gansu Province. Dunhuang means 'grand', and it was also called Shazhou — 'Sandy Prefecture' — historically, because the city is located at the edge of a charming desert, known as the Singing Sand Mountains.
The workshop venue is the "Dunhuang Hotel" (敦煌宾馆酒店).
Address: 151 Yangguan middle Road, 736200 Dunhuang, China. (甘肃省敦煌市阳关中路151号, 736200).
Dunhuang city is 11 km from Dunhuang Railway station with high-speed trains, and 12 km from the Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (IATA: DNH, ICAO: ZLDH) with international flights. Participatants will be picked up from the Dunhuang airport to the hotel.
Here are some key travel tips for visiting Dunhuang in September:
1. Weather & Clothing
Temperature: Warm days (20-28°C / 68-82°F) but cooler nights (10-15°C / 50-59°F).
Pack: Light layers for daytime, a jacket/sweater for evenings, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes (especially for the sand dunes and hiking).
2. Sun & Desert Protection
Strong UV rays: Use high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and reapply often.
Dust & wind: Bring a scarf or mask (sandstorms can occur).
Hydration: Carry water—dry climate increases dehydration risk.
3. Cultural & Practical Tips
Respect local customs: No flash photography in Mogao Caves.
Cash & payments: Some remote areas may prefer cash (though cards/WeChat Pay are widely accepted).
Altitude: Dunhuang is ~1,200m above sea level—no major altitude sickness risk, but take it easy if sensitive.
4. Transportation
Getting there: Direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Lanzhou in China, or high-speed train via Liuyuan South Station (then 1.5-hour shuttle to Dunhuang).
Local transport: Taxis are affordable; rent a bike for short trips.
Photoes of the scenic spots
Mogao Grottoes
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring
Yangguan
Yardang Landform
