Dunhuang makes play to expand appeal

To attract more visitors and investors from China and abroad, Dunhuang in Gansu province introduced special measures at a promotional event in Beijing last week, among them free admission to tourist attractions, improving the quality of educational tours, providing subsidies for event organizers, supporting local performances, and expanding airline routes and flights.

Dunhuang is known for the Mogao Caves, which house the finest Buddha art in China, and it was a key stop on the Silk Road in the past.

According to Wang Yanqun, Party secretary of Dunhuang, from Dec 1, to Feb 28, entry to many tourist spots, including Mingsha Mountain, Yumen Pass, and the Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark will be available for free. Tickets to the Mogao Caves will be offered at half price, with the number of caves open increasing from 8 to 10. Additionally, more caves will be opened for educational tours, and experienced guides will be available.

To turn the city into a leading convention location, the local government has set up a special subsidy fund of 10 million yuan ($1.38 million) for conferences and exhibitions. Events can receive subsidies ranging from 100,000 to 5 million yuan, depending on scale.

In addition, more performances will be put on in winter, and new flights are expected to become available next year.

In the first three quarters of 2024, Dunhuang received 19.53 million tourists, a 25 percent increase year-on-year. Dunhuang Mogao International Airport has routes connecting to 35 domestic and international cities, based on data issued by the local government.