Dunhuang Ancient City (敦煌古城, also known as Dunhuang Flim and TV Base), originally constructed in 1987 for the Sino-Japanese historical film “Dunhuang,” is a replica of the ancient city of Shazhou from the Song Dynasty. Over time, it expanded into a complete city featuring Tang and Song dynasty architecture, earning the moniker “Museum of Ancient Architecture in Northwest China.” Covering an area of 150,000 square meters with a construction area of 15,000 square meters, the city features five distinct streets representing various historical towns: Dunhuang, Gaochang, Ganzhou, Bianliang, and Xingqing.
Dunhuang Street is modeled after murals from the Mogao Caves depicting the ancient city of Dunhuang. This bustling street offers a glimpse into the traditional Dunhuang streetscape. Gaochang Street replicates the ancient architecture of Turpan in Xinjiang, characterized by Uyghur-style adobe square houses, highlighting the unique features of Xinjiang. Ganzhou Street, mimicking the ancient city of Ganzhou (modern-day Zhangye), features tea stalls and showcases the oasis town’s charm along the Hexi Corridor. Xingqing Street represents Yinchuan, with architecture reflecting Western Xia influences. Bianliang Street is designed to resemble a Song Dynasty street from Bianliang (now Kaifeng), offering a Central Plains ambiance. Each street has its unique style, providing visitors with a diverse and captivating experience.
The city features towering gate towers, temples, silk shops, taverns, pawnshops, and inns, each with distinct architectural styles and exquisite craftsmanship. These elements vividly display the grandeur and historical significance of ancient Dunhuang and other key Silk Road towns. Dunhuang Ancient City has served as a filming location for over a hundred films and TV shows, including “Dunhuang,” “The Great Dunhuang,” “Detective Dee,” “Genghis Khan,” “The Sword of Fury,” “The Legend of the Gods,” and “The Sword and the River.” It is the most complete film and television shooting base in Northwest China.
Dunhuang Ancient City offers a blend of sightseeing and entertainment. Visitors can participate in film shoots, engage in activities like horseback riding, driving, archery, ancient costume photography, and bonfire parties. Additionally, they can explore replicas of Dunhuang caves and Buddhist temples. For those interested, the city provides lodging at inns and offers traditional snacks, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural ambiance of ancient Dunhuang.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 19.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0937-8838353 |
Location and Transportation
Dunhuang Ancient City is located 16 kilometers west of Dunhuang City in Gansu Province. Visitors typically pass by this site when taking a car to tour the western route of Dunhuang.
