Tang-Era Buddhist Art, Camel Rides, and the Great Wall in the Gobi Desert
Sweeping and stark, the Gobi Desert spans China and Mongolia with vast golden dunes and rugged landscapes. Once a daunting stretch of the Silk Route, it remains mysterious to many travelers. Thanks to modern high-speed trains and expert guides, visitors can now explore its hidden wonders—from ancient Buddhist caves to fortress ruins—while experiencing the endless desert horizons.
Things to See and Do in the Gobi Desert
Jiayuguan Fort and the Westernmost Great Wall
At the eastern edge of the Gobi lies Jiayuguan Fort, a striking fortress crowned with a three-tiered pagoda roof guarding a narrow mountain pass. Built in the early 1300s, this “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven” was a critical defense point of the Chinese empire. Nearby, climb a watchtower of the Great Wall (rebuilt in the 1980s) to enjoy sweeping views over the desert and mountains.
The Mogao Caves: Home of 1,000 Buddhas
Just outside Dunhuang, the Mogao Grottoes hold nearly 500 caves filled with one of the world’s richest collections of Buddhist art. Explore paintings and sculptures from the Tang dynasty, reflecting a blend of Indian, Tang, and Tibetan artistic influences. Your guide will unveil stories behind the caves’ monasteries and ancient trade routes.
Desert Adventures: Sand Play and Camel Treks
The Gobi’s vast dunes invite adventurous activities like dune buggy rides, camel treks reminiscent of Silk Road caravans, and simply sliding down sandy slopes barefoot—an unforgettable desert playground.
Best Time to Visit the Gobi Desert
September is ideal for visiting the Gobi Desert. The weather is pleasantly warm yet cooler than summer, and it precedes the first snowfalls in nearby mountain passes—perfect for combining the desert with a broader Silk Route journey.
Speak to someone who's been there
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting the Gobi Desert, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate the Gobi Desert at its best.
China ⟩ Shanghai
China ⟩ Zhaoxing
China ⟩ Tiger Leaping Gorge
China ⟩ Zhangjiajie
China ⟩ Yuanyang
China ⟩ Yangshuo
China ⟩ Xian
China ⟩ Xiamen
China ⟩ Xiahe
China ⟩ Suzhou
China ⟩ Shaxi
China ⟩ Shangri-La
