Day Trip to Yulin Caves and Western Thousand Buddha Caves From Dunhuang

Your day begins as your guide meets you in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Dunhuang, holding a Viator sign with your name on it. From there, you'll head to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, located approximately 35 kilometers from downtown Dunhuang. These ancient caves, primarily constructed during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 A.D.) and the Tang Dynasty (618–907 A.D.), offer a more tranquil and intimate experience compared to the more popular Mogao Caves. Due to their proximity to the Dang River, many of the caves have suffered damage over time, but several still house remarkably well-preserved frescoes and statues, giving visitors a fascinating glimpse into early Buddhist art and architecture.

Following your visit, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour drive to the Yulin Caves, situated roughly 170 kilometers from Dunhuang in a remote river valley. Built into the cliffs along both banks of the Yulin River, this extensive complex comprises 42 major caves—31 on the east bank and 11 on the west—along with many smaller grottoes. The earliest of these were carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with later additions and restorations spanning numerous dynasties. Like the Mogao Grottoes, the Yulin Caves feature rich collections of Buddhist art, including nearly a thousand statues and over a thousand square meters of murals. As you explore with the site’s expert guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the cultural and historical significance of this remarkable extension of the Dunhuang art tradition.