Dunhuang Movie Set

Dunhuang Movie Set, also kThe entrance gate of Dunhuang Movie Setnown as Modeled Shazhou Town of Song Dynasty (960-1279), is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southwest of the city. The town, covering an area of 12,700 square meters (3.1 acres) was originally designed for the setting of the historical film Dunhuang in 1987. The film was made in cooperation with Japan and the set reproduced the layout and construction on a part of the famous scroll painting Qingming Shanghe Tu (The Outing at Bian River on Qingming Festival).

Dunhuang Movie Set presents its majestic appearance in the vast Gobi bearing a rich flavor of the west regions of China. Fully representing the military importance of the western regions in the Tang (618-907) and Song Dynasties, the complex here can give one an impression that the clock has turned backwards to ancient times. Gates are erected on the east, south and west sides of the town. The five main streets, namely the Gaochang, Dunhuang, Ganzhou, Xingqing and Bianliang, criss-cross each other inside the town. Various constructions with distinct characteristics of the Song Dynasty are scattered along the streets, housing arcades, temples, hockshops, warehouses, pothouses, restaurants, dwelling houses and so on.

Taking full advantage of its uniqueness for making movies with a military theme, Dunhuang Movie Set has become the biggest set for shooting movies in northwest China. More than twenty films and television series have been produced here, apart from the movie Dunhuang so far. You might be surprised to recognize the familiar scenes from one of your favorite movies when you are strolling around the town. So be prepared for the unexpected!

This Dunhuang Movie Set is very interesting both for its historical value for putting the vision of the ancient west China into perspective and for its important role in movie-making industry.
 

How to get to Dunhuang Movie Set

Take a taxi from downtown area to the scenic area directly and it takes about 15mins.

Entrance Fee CNY 40;
Free for children under 1.2m (3.9 feet).
Opening Hours 8:00 - 18:00
 

Great Dunhuang Movie Set in Baiyin

This site is located halfway between the Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Spot and the ancient city of Yongtai (Turtle City). It is the first movie set in China steeped in native Dunhuang culture. Its main scenic spots include the Ancient Street of Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) Dynasties, Fulong Store, Guyi Shop and Yichun Garden. The replica of Mogao Grotto is the most beautiful place on the lot, built to 1:1 ratio with the original. There are 108 caves distributed among three layers. In order to highlight the western region's unique character, the movie set is dotted with red willows and oleaster trees.

Since its opening, this place has attracted many filmmakers to shoot here. For example, the movie "Xuehua Nage Piao" (Flying Snowflakes) and the TV serial "Da Dunhuang" (Great Dunhuang) are shot on this set. Use of the set is free for making any films or television shows related to Dunhuang.

Entrance Fee CNY 20;
Free for children under 1m (3.3 feet).
Opening Hours 8:00 - 20:00
 
- Last updated on Aug. 01, 2018 -
Questions & Answers on Dunhuang Movie Set
Asked by soh from SINGAPORE | Aug. 29, 2017 00:53Reply
Dunhuang Movie Set
Quite confused as to the actual location of this attraction. Is there any bus to this attraction?
Answers (4)
Answered by Danielle from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 30, 2017 03:19
20Reply


It is in southwest suburban of the city, 18km away. Public bus doesn't lead there, so I suggest you take a taxi for a round trip, which shall cost less than CNY100. Another recommendation is that you join a one-day tour in downtown. Then they will arrange the pick-up service and you can see other attractions.
Answered by Lim from USA | Sep. 05, 2017 21:54
00Reply


Hi there, there are some local tour agencies in downtown area? Do they understand some English? Thanks.
Answered by Lim from USA | Sep. 05, 2017 21:57
00Reply


Hi Danielle: couple more things: Is it easy to get around in the city? Do you have any recommendations for hotels? Thanks so much. I am going there during the October first week.
Answered by Liana from NEW ZEALAND | Sep. 06, 2017 02:47
00Reply


Yes, local tour agencies are available. To find one with English service, it is suggested to turn to your hotel. My friends mentioned that they had a tour at Tianrun International Hotel. You may also try it!

It is generally easy to travel in the city, and you can use public bus and taxi. By the way, the drivers won't charge by meter. They prefer flat rate.
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