FlyOverChina | Story of Dunhuang

FlyOverChina | Story of Dunhuang

Xinhua
02 Feb 2026, 18:47 GMT+

DUNHUANG, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- When we talk about Dunhuang, the first thing that comes to mind might be the Mogao Grottoes.

In 366 AD, a monk arrived here and saw golden light over Mingsha Mountain. Inspired by the scene, he started to excavate a cave and practice Buddhism here.

Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Grottoes are home to 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 colorful sculptures.

Standing in the vast desert about 30 kilometers from the Mogao Grottoes, a 260-meter-high tower captures the sun's rays. This 100-megawatt molten-salt solar thermal power plant generates green electricity, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 350,000 tonnes annually.

Dunhuang, in northwest China's Gansu Province, not only has a profound historical heritage, but also enjoys vigorous development today. And its story, written by the people, continues.


Planner: Wang Jianhua

Coordinators: Meng Tao, Zhang Keren

Reporters: Chen Bin, Wang Yiliang, Fu Tian, Zhang Licong

Director: Zhang Licong

Editor: Wang Yuyan

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