Silk Road Echoes: Stepping Into History at Dunhuang Ancient City

The Cinematic Gateway to Shazhou

Located approximately 18 kilometers southwest of Dunhuang city, the Dunhuang Ancient City (also known as Dunhuang Film and Television City) serves as a dramatic threshold into the secular history of the Silk Road. Unlike the ancient relics of the Mogao Grottoes, this site was originally constructed in 1987 as a massive set for the historical film Dunhuang, co-produced by China and Japan. Covering an area of 150,000 square meters, the city was designed to meticulously recreate the architectural grandeur and layout of the ancient Shazhou city during the Song and Western Xia dynasties. It stands today as a "living museum" that captures the urban pulse of the ancient frontier.

Architectural Grandeur of the Borderland

The city is enclosed by a massive 1.6-kilometer city wall built from rammed earth and local materials, mimicking the defensive structures of ancient border forts. Visitors entering through the grand gates find themselves transported into a dense urban landscape featuring distinct districts that reflect Dunhuang’s historical role as a multicultural hub. The architecture blends the styles of the Central Plains with the unique aesthetics of the Western Regions, featuring five main streets: High Street, Shazhou Street, Ganzhou Street, Suzhou Street, and Xingqing Street.

A Living Museum of Silk Road Markets

Inside the walls, the city recreates the vibrant atmosphere of an ancient trade center. The streets are lined with traditional wine shops, silk stores, pawnshops, and handicraft stalls, all designed to reflect the secular life of the Silk Road during the 11th century. The city also houses the Dunhuang Film Art Museum, which documents the scores of movies and television series filmed here, including classics like New Dragon Gate Inn and The Era of Vampires. This transition from the spiritual "Kingdom of Buddha" found in the grottoes to the bustling secular life of the ancient city provides a holistic view of Dunhuang’s cultural legacy.

The Photographer’s Backdrop

The city's stark, weathered appearance against the backdrop of the Mingsha Sand Dunes makes it a premier destination for photography. Many travelers choose to explore the city while wearing traditional Hanfu or Western Region costumes, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the historical "time travel" experience. At sunset, the golden light cast over the earth-colored walls creates a scene of profound desolation and beauty that has captivated filmmakers and tourists alike for decades.