Dunhuang Stargazing Guide - Where is the Best Place to See Stars in Dunhuang?
Dunhuang is a small oasis town located in the hinterland of Northwest China, surrounded by deserts and gobi. With a small urban scale and almost no factories, light pollution is very light. Coupled with its profound and extensive historical culture, it has always been an ideal place for stargazing and has been rated as one of the top ten stargazing destinations in China.
When you come to Dunhuang, you will find that the air quality is very clean and fresh. The climate in Dunhuang is dry, with very few cloudy or rainy days, and a high rate of clear nights. Now, Dunhuang Mysterious Land recommends several ideal places to watch stars.
1. The Back Mountain of Mingsha Mountain (Desert Camping Base - Heart of the Desert)
The Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Scenic Area is close to the city, with many lights around the scenic area, so it is not an ideal place for stargazing. Dunhuang Mysterious Land recommends going to the back mountain of Mingsha Mountain, specifically at Group 4, Heshui Village, Yueyaquan Town, where there are many desert camping bases. The camping activities include stargazing programs. You can first participate in other activities of the day's camping, including sand sliding, motorcycle rides, bonfires, performances, self-service hotpot, etc. After the activities, around 11:30 PM, the camping base staff will take you by desert motorcycle to the heart of the Mingsha Mountain desert. Here, there is very little light pollution, and you are at a high point in the desert. Watching the stars and the Milky Way is very spectacular. There are also professional photographers who take free group photos under the starry sky (stargazing fee is charged separately, ranging from 100 to 200 yuan per person).
2. Sanwei Mountain, Dunhuang
Mingsha Mountain is a golden phoenix, and Sanwei Mountain is a blue dragon. The Mogao Caves are carved into the cliffs at the junction of the riverbed between Mingsha Mountain and Sanwei Mountain. Sanwei Mountain has been the first sacred site of Dunhuang since ancient times. There are unknown temples and Taoist monasteries here, with many historical relics, including Guanyin Well, Queen Mother Palace, Large Bronze Buddha, Nanshan Temple, Laojun Hall, and other ancient sites. Sanwei Mountain is rolling, with rugged rocks and crisscrossing gullies. There are few tourists here, and no light pollution. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the Mogao Caves. Stargazing here can yield unexpected and magical gains.
3. Dunhuang Yardang Geopark
Yardang Geopark is 180 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang city, passing through Yumen Pass. It is a 4A scenic area with sightseeing buses and off-road vehicles. The wind-eroded landforms are bizarre and diverse, commonly known as the "Devil City." The scenic area is quite large. When taking star photos, communicate with the staff in advance to avoid getting lost. Also, the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring warm gear, especially in spring or autumn when temperatures are very low. Bring more thick clothes.
4. Dunhuang Nanquan Wetland
From the Dunhuang Industrial Park, head north on a dirt road for about 40 kilometers (1 hour drive) to reach the ancient course of the Shule River, which is the so-called Nanquan Wetland. This area is located in the low-lying part of the Dunhuang gobi and Beishan, featuring reeds and tamarisk, wind-eroded yardangs, beacon tower ruins, salt lakes, swamps, and other landforms. There is no light pollution here, and many landforms resemble Mars. It is a paradise for camping stargazing and cross-country exploration.
Dear friends, come to Dunhuang! The Dunhuang Mysterious Land Stargazing Group will take you into the ocean of stars.
