Introduction
For foreign travelers exploring China’s Silk Road, the journey from Urumqi (Xinjiang) to Dunhuang (Gansu) is a gateway to awe-inspiring deserts, ancient Buddhist art, and fascinating history. This guide outlines the most efficient route using high-speed trains and buses via Liuyuan South Station (Liuyuannan Station).
Route Overview
The recommended route is:
Urumqi → Liuyuan South Station (by high-speed train) → Dunhuang (by bus/taxi).
Below are the details:
Step 1: Urumqi to Liuyuan South Station
By High-Speed Train (D-Series)
- Route: D train from Urumqi to Liuyuan South
- Duration: ~4 hours 25 minutes.
- Frequency: 3 daily departures from Urumqi Railway Station.
- Ticket Price: From ¥247 (second class).
- Arrival Station: The D trains arrvie at Liuyuan South Station (Liuyuannan).
Check Live Train Schedule
- Urumqi is displayed as Wulumuqi in Chinese Pinyin. Just enter Wulumuqi as Urumqi when you seach the schedule.
- There are two train stations in Liuyuan, and Liuyuan South Station is newer and more traveler-friendly than the older Liuyuan Station.
 | Jiayuguan to Dunhuang train, Zhangye to Dunhuang train, Yumen to Dunhuang train, Lanzhou to Dunhuang train |
 | Hotels in Dunhuang |
 | Mogao Grottoes (entrance tickets, shuttle bus), Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake (tickets, day tours), |
 | Flights to or from Dunhuang Mogao Airport |
Step 2: Liuyuan South Station to Dunhuang
Upon arrival, two options are available:
1. Direct Bus
- Location: Buses wait outside Liuyuan South Station.
- Duration: ~2 hours.
- Price: ¥60–70 per person (for reference only).
- Drop-off: central Dunhuang.
2. Shared Taxi
- Price: ~¥80 per person (ideal for groups of 4).
- Advantage: Direct drop-off at your hotel.
- Negotiate: Confirm the fare before boarding.
Note:
- Though there are Z or T trains from Urumqi to Liuyuan Station, but avoid them (Z/T-series), as they might take 7-9 hours to Liuyuan Station.
Alternative Routes via Yumen (Less Recommended)
Besides trasferring at Liuyuan South Station, you can also cosider transferring at Yumen Railway Station or Jiayuguan South Station. These two options allows you go all the way to Dunhuang by train, but they will take longer. Note that Yumen Station is closer to Dunhuang.
- 1. Urumqi – Yumen – Dunhuang (Recommended)
- 2. Urumqi – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
| Via Yumen or Jiayuguan South | Details |
|---|---|
| Yumen Railway Station | Adds ~8–9 hours total travel time. Slightly closer to Dunhuang than Jiayuguan. |
| Jiayuguan South Station | Scenic but time-consuming. Better suited for travelers combining visits with Jiayuguan’s Great Wall. |
Why Choose Liuyuan South?
- Speed: Total travel time from Urumqi to Dunhuang is ~6.5 hours (train + bus).
- Convenience: Buses and taxis are readily available outside Liuyuan South.
- Cost-Effective: ~¥307–327 total per person (train + bus/taxi).
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Urumqi at 11:20 AM → Arrive Liuyuan South by 15:46 PM → Bus/taxi to Dunhuang by 18:00 PM. Check into your hotel and have a rest.
- Day 2: Explore Dunhuang’s highlights next day:
- Mogao Caves (UNESCO-listed Buddhist art).
- Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
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