Dunhuang Transportation -- Getting Around

In Dunhuang, there are public buses, taxis, rickshaws and bicycles for tourists to travel around. However, the public transportation to the surrounding scenic areas is not very convenient, so it is recommended to charter a car or join a tour group to ensure a smooth sightseeing.
 Downtown Dunhuang is not large, and there are only three city-bus routes running along fixed lines. They start from the urban area and stretch into the countryside in different directions. Buses are mostly of a medium size. They operate between the hours from 07:00 until 21:00 every day, departing every 10 minutes and costing CNY1 for the through trip.

Taxis in Dunhuang

Bus No.1: Guopinchang - Dunhuang Bus Station - Dunhuang Hotel - Nongmao Shichang - Huasheng Shangchang - Panxuan Road North - Sun Hotel - Muqichang - Xibei Hotel - Petrol Station - Suliaochang - Zhangxian Road - Wushuichang - Leijiadun Yidui - Leijiadun Zhuanchang - Leijiadun Sidui - Qinzhou Yidui - Lujiabao Village

 Bus No.2: Dunhuang Hospital - Civil Aviation Administration - Shazhou Market - Huasheng Shangchang - Dunhuang Hotel - Forestry Bureau - Qiaotou West - Mianfenchang - Suzhou Nongmao Shichang - Dunhuang Park - Zhongpu Xiulichang - Dongsheng Shichang - Yuqiao Petrol Station - Shaojiaqiao

 Bus No.3: Muqichang - Shuidian Gongsi - Shazhou Park - Forestry Bureau - Dunhuang Hotel - Huasheng Shangchang - Panxuan Road South - Dunhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital - Bureau of Municipal Construction - Dunhuang Bus Station - Jinye Hotel - Laowu Shichang - Yangjiaqiao Erdui - Jinglaoyuan - Gongqingyuan - Shiboyuan - Leiyin Temple - Echoing-Sand Mountain (Crescent Lake)

Tips:
1.The public bus to Mogao Caves departs at the gate of Dunhuang Holiday Inn, costing CNY 8 per person and spending around 40 minutes. The last bus from Mogao Caves back to downtown is at 17:30.
2. City-bus services are not very punctual so it may be necessary for you to take other transport methods if your travel schedule is tight.
 It is very convenient and easy for tourists to take a taxi in the city. There are many taxis running around the city, or waiting for passengers at the airport, long-distance bus station, railway station, hotels, historical sites and popular scenic areas. The table below shows the taxi rate:
 

Flag-down Rate	CNY 5 for the first 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Unit Fare	1. CNY1.8/km per extra kilometer in the daytime 2. CNY2/km from 23:00 to 07:00 the next day
Empty-run Fee	CNY2.7/km for the extra distance beyond 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)

 

Many tourists hire a taxi or minibus from the downtown to tour the surrounding attractions. The price is usually negotiable and reasonable. Here are the fees for your reference:
 To Mengke Glacier: CNY 800 - 1,000
 To Yulin Grottoes & East Thousand Buddha Caves: CNY 200
 Dunhuang West Line (Dunhuang Ancient City - West Thousand Buddha Caves - Yangguan -  Yumenguan - Yardang National Geopark): CNY 350 - 450
 Dunhuang East Line (Crescent Lake - Echoing-Sand Mountain - Mogao Caves - Sanwei Mountain ): CNY 150
 

Rickshaw is an interesting part of scene in the city. Such vehicles run through the streets and lanes, making your trip flexible and convenient. You can easily hire it in the street. It costs CNY 10-20 per person in general. The price will go up during public holidays. You can negotiate the price before getting on the rickshaw. 
 The city is not large, and you can get around by bicycle easily and make a close touch with this small city. There are several rental services in downtown area. The fee can be negotiated, generally speaking CNY 50 - 70 per day. Besides, dockless sharing bikes are also available in Dunhuang city. The fares are CNY 1 to 2 for 30 minutes. Tourists can pay the fee or top up by WeChat Pay and Alipay.