Northwest, Fulfilling a Dream from My Chinese Textbook Years in the Making, Part 4: Mogao Caves

*****Setting Off to Greet the Dawn*****

In the previous post "Northwest, Fulfilling a Dream from My Chinese Textbook Years in the Making, Part 3: Qilian, Colorful Danxia, Jiayuguan," I forgot to mention that we stayed overnight in Jiayuguan. This tour did not include a visit to Jiayuguan Pass, but we could go on our own. Since Jiayuguan is a cultural heritage site, I strongly recommend finding a guide for the visit; otherwise, just looking around might lack some depth.

This time we also got up early, before the sun had even risen, and we were already on the move. I felt a bit tired, but since the journey was long, I could rest a little on the bus. Once on board, I put on my earphones, played some music, and as the songs drifted around me, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

When I opened my eyes again, the morning sun was about to break through the clouds. Since I was on a moving bus and the speed was quite fast, this was the best photo I could take.

The first photo was taken at 6:22 AM, and the second at 6:49 AM. I didn’t think much at the time; I just snapped them casually. Now looking back, these sunrise shots are really terrible! I kind of regret not cherishing this sunrise more. Back in 2014 during the Qingming Festival, I climbed Mount Tai with my college roommate starting at midnight for this very sunrise, but the sun had already risen before we reached the summit. Then at the end of 2016, I climbed Huangshan with some classmates waiting for the sunrise, but it was cloudy and we waited over an hour for nothing. This time, I unexpectedly woke up and caught it—guess fate wasn’t on my side before! I suppose many things in life are like this. Of course, we still need to actively pursue what we should. Without this trip, I wouldn’t have encountered this sunrise. The journey of life requires walking it well!

As we traveled on, the sky gradually brightened.

*****Daybreak*****

Driving along, the sky slowly opened up—blue sky, white clouds, seemingly within reach. Instantly, I felt the vastness of heaven and earth.

The previous photo was the last patch of green along this stretch; from here on, only scattered touches of green remained.

Compared to the earlier posts, the contrast is obvious! Back then, there were grasslands nearby and lush green mountains in the distance, with green spreading before my eyes. Now, it’s an endless Gobi Desert! Gazing out, the ground near us was reddish and bare, while the undulating land in the distance stretched all the way to meet the sky. Standing on the ground after getting off the bus, I instantly felt that although I am but a drop in the ocean, I could also stand shoulder to shoulder with the sky.

*****Mogao Caves*****

Like other attractions, entering the Mogao Caves requires taking a shuttle bus. After the tour bus parks, remember its location, then follow the guide’s instructions to scan your ticket and enter the scenic area gate. The shuttle bus stops just in front of the entrance. Once on the shuttle, choose a window seat again if you can—you can take photos. The shuttle only goes one stop. After getting off, you still need to walk to reach the Mogao Caves. Just follow the others along that walk. Remember, photography is not allowed inside the Mogao Caves—keep that in mind! If you want to take pictures, you can do so on the walking paths to and from the caves; the scenery is also very nice. The first photo below was taken on the shuttle bus. Although we all live under the same sky, the sky here is truly clear and blue.

*****Summary*****

First: If you encounter a sunrise early in the morning, remember to cherish that encounter.

Second: On this trip, be sure to bring a sun hat, long sleeves or arm sleeves (depending on the weather), sunglasses, and water.

Third: Treasure the cultural relics; wherever photography is not allowed, absolutely do not take photos.

Fourth: Mogao Caves tickets are categorized; you must book in advance. Remember, remember, remember! If you're on a tour, you'll probably get a B ticket, which is included in the tour fee. Generally, a B ticket is sufficient for most people; it depends on your needs.