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Mogao Grottoes The World-renowned Mogao Grottoes, also known as Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, is the largest and richest ancient art treasure in the World. It is a treasure trove of Buddhist manuscripts, wall paintings, statuary, and artworks including architectural designs, sculptures and murals. With 492 caves, the Mogao Grottoes was put in the 'World Heritages' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1987. Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Lake Right behind the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel, Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent are known as famous natural wonders. As its name implies in Chinese, Mingsha Sand Dunes means the deafening sound of the moving sands made when the wind sweeps across them. It is composed of many sand dunes and it covers 40 km from east to west and 20 km from south to north. The small and mysterious natural masterpiece Crescent Moon Lake is shaped clearly by the sand dunes. You can enjoy steep climbing the Mingsha Sand Dunes and sliding down from the top. You can also take a slow riding into the sand dunes on camelback. Yumenguan and Yangguan Passes Once important gateways to Central Asia, India and Europe, the two grand Han-dynasty gates are about 68 km apart. They are famous ancient tower ruins from where lots of relics were discovered. Yumenguan lies about 90 km northwest of Dunhuang while Yangguan, which is an ancient beacon tower, is about 70 km south of Dunhuang. White Horse Pagoda (Bai Ma Ta) A Kuchean monk, Kumarajiva, traveled with his gallant white steed from east along the Silk Road in AD384. However, the white deed died in Dunhuang. Kumarajiva built the White Horse Pagoda to commemorate his holly steed.
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