Miss the snow-covered Mingsha Mountain, and you'll have to wait until next year to see it again!

On the night of the 11th, I saw the news about snow in Dunhuang and immediately changed my flight to rush there! As a travel blogger with a huge following, I personally tested it—Mingsha Mountain after snow is not just "beautiful," it’s the kind of breathtaking scene that leaves you speechless standing on the sand dunes. - Must-visit: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (snow season exclusive) ​ - Location: 5 km south of Dunhuang city (just search "Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake Scenic Area" on your map) ​ - Ticket: 110 RMB/person (valid for 3 days with multiple entries! Don’t lose your ticket stub!) ​ - Visiting hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM (focus on sunrise; morning light after snow is the softest) ​ - Transportation comparison: ​ - Self-driving: 20 minutes from downtown, parking at the scenic area costs 10 RMB/day, arriving early means parking closer ​ - Non-driving: Taxi from downtown about 30 RMB, or take bus route 3 (2 RMB/person), but no buses at 6 AM, so it’s best to book a ride-hailing car in advance ​ - Highlights: Arrive before 6 AM, enter from the “Sand and Spring Symbiosis” entrance, walk along the wooden boardwalk to the dunes. After snow, the sand isn’t hot, you can step on the thin snow to climb the dunes (don’t wear white shoes! Sand will get inside). Around 7 AM, the sunrise bursts out, casting golden-red light on the snowy dunes—half white, half gold. Stand at the light and shadow boundary for portraits, no filter needed for great shots! The reeds by Crescent Lake are dusted with snow, paired with ancient buildings for a super atmospheric vibe. After 10 AM, more tourists arrive, so it’s best to leave before noon. Day 2: Snow-covered Dunhuang Ancient City + Mogao Caves, a collision of culture and snow scenery - Morning: Dunhuang Ancient City (a less crowded photo spot) ​ - Location: 18 km southwest of Dunhuang city ​ - Ticket: 40 RMB/person ​ - Duration: 2-3 hours ​ - Transportation: ​ - Self-driving: 30 minutes from Mingsha Mountain, along the way you can see snow-covered Gobi Desert, every shot looks like a highway masterpiece ​ - Non-driving: Shared rides from downtown cost 50 RMB/person round trip, or join a small tour (includes ticket + round-trip transport for 80 RMB) ​ - Highlights: The ancient city after snow looks like a scene from a historical drama! Red walls covered with snow, lanterns hanging with ice crystals. Rent a Hanfu costume (50 RMB/hour) and shoot from the city tower with no tourists in the background. Avoid the main street; go to the side areas like the “Barracks” and “Tavern,” where snow piles on the eaves, creating a lively, authentic atmosphere. - Afternoon: Mogao Caves (even more solemn after snow) ​ - Location: 25 km southeast of Dunhuang city ​ - Ticket: 238 RMB/person (must book tickets 3 days in advance on the “Mogao Caves Visit Reservation Website”!) ​ - Duration: 3-4 hours ​ - Transportation: 40 minutes from the ancient city, self-driving can park directly at the scenic area, non-driving shared rides cost 60 RMB round trip ​ - Highlights: The cliffs of Mogao Caves look even more weathered after snow. Watch the digital film before entering, then follow the guide into the caves. Focus on Cave 323 (Zhang Qian’s Western Regions Expedition painting) and Cave 45 (Tang Dynasty colored sculptures). It’s darker inside on snowy days, so don’t use flash. After the visit, take a photo in front of the Nine-Story Building; the red walls, white snow, and Great Buddha Hall create a strong cultural vibe. Day 3: Xiaochaidan Lake (snowy hidden gem) + return trip - Must-visit: Xiaochaidan Lake (a lesser-known snowy lake near Dunhuang) ​ - Location: 200 km from Dunhuang (recommend early departure) ​ - Ticket: Free ​ - Duration: 3-4 hours ​ - Transportation: ​ - Self-driving: Take the Liuge Expressway, about 2.5 hours drive. The highway may have ice after snow, drive slowly. There are viewing platforms along the way where you can stop. ​ - Non-driving: Recommended to join a 1-day small group tour (includes round-trip transport + lunch for 150 RMB/person), taking a taxi alone is too expensive and not cost-effective. ​ - Highlights: After snow, Xiaochaidan Lake is half frozen and half blue, with salt flats covered in snow like sprinkled sugar! Wear bright colors (red, yellow) and shoot by the lake with snowy mountains and blue ice in the background for amazing photos. Return around noon to catch your afternoon flight or train. 1. After snow, the sand at Mingsha Mountain forms tiny ice particles, so don’t wear snow boots! Wear high-top Martin boots to protect against sand and slipping. ​ 2. Dunhuang has a temperature difference of over 20°C between morning and evening. Wear a down jacket, scarf, and gloves for sunrise photos, and you can take them off to just a sweatshirt by noon. ​ 3. You must bring your ID card to Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain; no ID means no entry! ​ 4. If you’re not driving, don’t rely on buses; many scenic spots aren’t accessible by bus. Book ride-hailing or shared rides in advance. ​ 5. When photographing snow scenes, don’t point your phone directly at the sun to avoid overexposure. Use “Pro Mode” to lower exposure. Who would have thought you could see snow in the desert?! The sunrise photos I took at Mingsha Mountain went viral on social media.