Day 5: Dunhuang Grottoes

Well-preserved Buddha statues are among the hidden gems in the cliff-side caverns of Dunhuang Grottoes. Cao Zhizheng / Asia News Photo

Before the trip, I was told a visit to Dunhuang Grottoes would take at least five hours.

This is a treasure trove, hidden in the heart of the desert, with more than 2,000 statues and 45 sq km of murals, dating back to about 1,000 years ago.

Entrance is 160 yuan per person for a guided tour, and 20 yuan more in English or other languages.

Visiting the 30-something cliff-side caverns offers an archeological adventure. The honeycomb of cavities has been shaped and renovated for a millennium, making it a witness to the evolution of this ancient stopover point on the Silk Road.

The dazzling statues and murals, that are well preserved in these caverns, are a feast for the eyes.

Those who are familiar with the country's art history will appreciate the distinctive styles of the various eras.

My day trip to Dunhuang Grottoes ends with a hike up Resonating Sand Mountain. The ticket is 120 yuan.

Darkness begins to fall as I start climbing the sandy hill. Though the mountain is small, I spend at least two hours climbing to the top as the sand makes it difficult to scale.

From the top, you can get a view of Crescent Spring, which locals say gets smaller every year. So, catch it while you can.

Day 6: A happy ending

The Crescent Spring looks like a piece of shimmering silver in the desert. Zhang Bo / Asia News Photo

My flight back to Beijing is at noon, so I decide to make full use of the time and do some last minute shopping.

There are many stands selling fresh fruits and good snacks, so I buy apricots, grapes and some delicious raisins - said to be the best in China and priced at 30 to 50 yuan per kg.

Contact the writer at gantian@chinadaily.com.cn.