The visit to a sand hill just walking distance from our hotel was the best part of our Dunhuang visit. It was a spectacular sight from the rooftop of our hotel where we had breakfast, but it was even more impressive from the top of the sand hill. Two camels took us up the sand hill. Kristine and Kimberley were thrilled. Then it was another 200 steps by a steep slope to a ridge where Kristine and Kimberley ‘swam’ in the fine sand for almost 1 hr. A cool and sunny day with cool breeze. Cannot imagine how hot the place gets in summer. It was then a slide down the slope on a bamboo raft. Physically demanding to climb those 200 steps again for another slide down. Today was a happy day for Kristine and Kimberley, having too good a time with the camel ride and sand they refused to leave..
We were planning on taking a train from Dunhuang to JiaYuGuan. A hotel taxi cost Y50 to the local train station, A taxi from roadside cost Y30. Because the hotel is somewhat remote at the bottom of the sand hill, we could not get a taxi easily so we hopped on a local bus for Y2 which took us to an express coach station (we didn’t know that. We were walking to take another local bus servicing the train station). The express coach just pulled out of the station and a lady conductor hopped down and asked if we were going to JiaYuGuan. We were ‘hijacked’ but ended reaching JiaYuGuan 2 hrs ahead of our planned schedule。
A photo shows an oasis which ran dry several years ago. Through conservation measures, the spring is coming back to life. Notice the camel photo the exposure of which went haywire. Possibly caused by sand inside the control knob. I could hear sand grinding each time I turned the control dial. Took many heavy puffs to blow the sand grains away. It wasnt a windy day, and I took grear care with the new Lumix, yet the sand grains went in. Our camel guide kept advising us to be careful with our belongings as once they fall into the sand-dunes, it was almost impossible to recover anything intact.
The hotel we stayed in was built at the foot of MingShaShan. Shaped like a fortress, surrounded by several smaller 'fortresses'. Y420 through a local agent, versus Y480 through internet. Free broadband inroom, sumptuous breafasts inclusive. For visitors with young kids, forget the ancient Buddhist grottos, and especially the long journey to see whatever is left of 'Han dynasty' great wall and limestone landscape. Those are too boring for them. Just stay at that fortress hotel (1 of 2 4-star in Dunhuang) and either walk ro cycle to MingShaShan. I reckon Kristine and Kimberley could tolerate the camel rides up the sand hill and play he sand dunes for a week. During peak seasons, they even ferry guests to the sandhills for breakfasts, and campfire dinner.
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