Baiyin, Gansu Province

Beyond the Mirage: Step Into the Living History of Jingtai Great Dunhuang Film City

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

1,620m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

A Mirage Rising from the Gobi Desert

Rising majestically from the vast plains at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, the Great Dunhuang Film and Television City in Jingtai is often described as a "mirage" manifested into reality. Located in Jingtai County, Baiyin City, Gansu Province, this site sits at an average altitude of 1,600 meters. It serves as a unique cultural immersive space and a national-level film production base, specifically designed to capture the raw, desolate beauty of the Chinese Northwest.

1.The Cinematic: Resurrection of Silk Road Splendor

The origins of this sprawling complex date back to 2004, when it was constructed as the primary filming location for the major television drama The Great Dunhuang. Unlike traditional tourist towns, it was designed with a deep commitment to historical accuracy, featuring 1:1 scale replicas of iconic landmarks such as the Dunhuang Ancient City, the Mogao Caves, and the Western Xia Ancient Battlefields. This architectural dedication allows visitors to step through a "time tunnel," experiencing the confluence of various Silk Road civilizations in a single, cohesive environment.

Architectural and Cultural Fusion

The city is a masterpiece of cultural synthesis, integrating the structural styles of the Western Xia (Xixia) dynasty with the desert aesthetics of the Guazhou region. One of its most striking features is the replica of the Mogao Caves' Nine-Story Building, which stands as a sentinel over the Gobi. Inside the complex, the Western Xia Palace showcases the bold power of nomadic architecture through its use of red, yellow, and white hues. Beyond the palaces, the city includes a "Thousand Buddha Forest" and meticulously recreated ancient market streets, where the wooden eaves and rammed-earth walls evoke the bustling spirit of the ancient Silk Road.

A Sanctuary for Photographers and History Enthusiasts

For travelers, the film city offers a rare opportunity to witness the interaction between human construction and the primal forces of nature. During the "golden hours" of sunrise and sunset, the light transforms the rammed-earth structures into glowing gold, casting long, dramatic shadows across the desert floor. It remains a premier destination for those seeking the "Highland Aesthetics" of the Hexi Corridor, providing a cinematic backdrop that has hosted numerous blockbuster films such as The Myth and The Banquet.

✨ Why Visit Great Dunhuang Film City, Jingtai

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1 Mogao Caves Replica: Marvel at the stunningly accurate recreation of the Mogao Caves' iconic facade and interiors, built to imperial scale.

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Western Xia Palace

Explore the grand halls and courtyards that reflect the unique architectural power and color palettes of the Xixia Kingdom.

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Silk Road Streetscapes

Wander through ancient market alleys featuring Ming-style Guazhou architecture and immersive historical details.

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The Thousand Buddha Forest

Discover a unique grouping of steles and grotto-style structures inspired by the diverse religious heritage of the region.

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Cinematic Gobi Vistas

Capture breathtaking photos where the ancient "Stone City" meets the rugged silhouette of the Qilian Mountains.

Location & Nearby

📍 Baiyin, Gansu Province • 🏔️ 1620m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Great Dunhuang Film City, Jingtai Travel Guide

Where is the Great Dunhuang Film City located?

It is situated in Jingtai County, Baiyin City, Gansu Province, in the eastern part of the Hexi Corridor.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak season is from May to October. September and October are particularly recommended for their clear skies and high visibility.

Is it a real ancient city?

No, it is a high-fidelity film and television base built in 2004, though it is based on meticulous historical and archaeological data from Dunhuang and Western Xia sites.

What should I bring for my visit?

Due to the arid desert climate, visitors should bring plenty of water, high-SPF sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Can I see the interior of the cave replicas?

Yes, many of the replica cave structures allow visitors to enter and observe the recreated murals and statues.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Great Dunhuang Film City, Jingtai?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.