Top 10 Best Things to Do in Jiuquan
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Jiuquan

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Springtop_1
    󰺂8.9
    0.54
    Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring for 4 Consecutive Months | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis
    󱓊Desert dunes & spring coexistence
    󱨠Saved by 827 users󱨠23507 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    嘟嘟娘亲嘟嘟娘亲

    The scenery was beautiful! We rode camels and climbed the Singing Sand Dunes! The nighttime stargazing concert was breathtaking! A unique experience compared to other tourist attractions! I suggest adding more wooden ladders to the sand dunes!

  • Mogao Cavestop_2
    󰺂8.2
    16.99
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets for Core Dunhuang Attractions | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Guided tour of select grottoes
    󱓊Watch two 20-minute Mogao films
    󱨠Saved by 690 users󱨠5603 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    E34***86E34***86

    It’s worth it!! It’s my second time visiting. Event though i book 1130, we reached at 0900+ and able to queue and enter! For non mandarin tour, the group is MUCH smaller and hence you would be able to ask more questions. The gathering point is also different. The tour guide is professional.

  • Yang Guantop_3
    󰺂7.2
    5.31
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSpecial winter and spring deals at Yang Pass for an amazing frontier journey | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Jiuquan
    Highlights:
    󰀆Gobi views & distant mountains
    󱓊Spectacular ancient beacon tower ruins
    󱨠1576 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    ty山高人为峰ty山高人为峰

    Yangguan was an important pass on the Silk Road. The well-known poem, "I urge you to drink another cup of wine, for once you leave Yangguan, you will find no old friends," describes the ancient Yangguan Road in the Gobi Desert.

  • Yumen Pass
    4
    󰺂7.0
    5.31
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Hara Lake's reed spectacle
    󱓊Gobi's Hala Lake & reeds
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠1071 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    mahoninglimahoningli

    When I think of Yumen Pass, the line that immediately comes to mind is: "The Yellow River flows far away among white clouds, a solitary city nestles on a thousand-foot mountain. Why should the Qiang flute complain about the willows? The spring breeze never reaches Yumen Pass." After visiting Yumen Pass, I truly felt this poem. Yumen Pass, said to be named after the jade from the ancient Western Regions (such as Hotan) that entered the Central Plains through this pass, was built during the Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu opened the route to the Western Regions and established the "Four Commanderies of Hexi." It was not only a crucial military pass during the Han Dynasty but also a vital chokepoint on the northern route of the Silk Road. Currently, only three ruins remain: 1. Xiaofangpancheng Ruins—a square earthen fortress with relatively intact walls, it once served as the seat of the Yumen Commandery during the Han Dynasty and formed the core of Yumen Pass's defense system. 2. Hecang City Ruins (Dafangpan City) — This important military depot on the western defense line (of the Great Wall) from the Han Dynasty to the Wei and Jin Dynasties provided food, clothing, and other supplies to soldiers guarding Yumen Pass, Yangguan Pass, and the Great Wall. 3. Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins — This section of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, dating back over 2,000 years, is one of China's oldest surviving Great Walls. Unlike the brick and stone construction of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, the Han Dynasty Great Wall was largely constructed using locally sourced materials, with layers of red willow, reeds, and sandstone rammed earth. Although it resembles an earthen embankment, its historical value is unparalleled. There are no magnificent palaces, no shady trees, and no entertainment facilities here; what you see is the authentic face of history. As the sun sets and dusk falls, you gaze upon the ruins, standing alone in the vast Gobi Desert, surrounded by the boundless expanse of heaven and earth. As you touch the loess walls, eroded by millennia of wind and sand, desolation, vastness, loneliness, and endless nostalgia all surge, instantly transporting you back to an era of war and battle. Rereading that poem, I can't help but weep. The first two lines are so majestic and heroic, while the last two express untold helplessness and sacrifice. Yumen Pass made me feel the weight of history and the power of time, offering me a profoundly moving and soul-stirring experience.

  • Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
    5
    󰺂7.0
    6.37
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Romantic Wilderness of Dunhuang's Winter Yardangs | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󱨜Stunning Yardang views & perspectives
    󱓊Wind-eroded formations & ship-like hills
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠1228 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    AlinkaShockAlinkaShock

    Highly recommend to book this trip 🤩🤩👍 It was really convenient and super comfortable. The van was amazing, you could easily lay down and even sleep in between the destinations 😴 The driver was also super nice, helpful and professional. Definitely worry free trip👍👍👍

  • Dahaidao
    6
    󰺂7.0
    4.78
    Hami>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHami Dahaidao upgraded to a must-visit attraction in Xinjiang
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stargazing feels like a secret
    󰋄Fossil mirage & wild camels
    󱨠771 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Horace TongHorace Tong

    I was recommended to come to Dahaidao by a local, but had no way of getting there! Thankfully I found this tour on trip. The process was relatively smooth but what made it was my guide/driver/photographer Master Liang! I don't speak Mandarin but he went out of his way to help and accommodate me. He kept us.on schedule and showed us the best places to go, and took some great photos. I really appreciate his kindness and help the whole day! If you get a chance to go with him, do it!!

Best things to do in Jiuquan (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Jiuquan? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Jiuquan offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Jiuquan

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Jiuquan experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring

• Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | >100 km from downtown

• : Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis,Desert dunes & spring coexistence

Mogao Caves

• Dunhuang | >100 km from downtown

• : Guided tour of select grottoes,Watch two 20-minute Mogao films

Yang Guan

• Dunhuang | >100 km from downtown

• : Gobi views & distant mountains,Spectacular ancient beacon tower ruins

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Jiuquan

If you want to explore attractions just outside Jiuquan, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Jiuquan, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Jiuquan special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Jiuquan

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Jiuquan

Ready to explore the best of Jiuquan? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Jiuquan?
These are all Best Things to Do in Jiuquan:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring, Mogao Caves, Yang Guan, Yumen Pass, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Jiuquan?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Jiuquan include:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:4.7, Mogao Caves:4.4, Yang Guan:4.5, Yumen Pass:4.4, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark:4.6
At what locations in Jiuquan can Best Things to Do in Jiuquan be found?
The Best Things to Do in Jiuquan are mainly located in:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:Dunhuang, Mogao Caves:Dunhuang, Yang Guan:Dunhuang, Yumen Pass:Dunhuang, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark:Dunhuang
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