Wuwei
Wuwei has been known as an important garrison command called Liangzhou in the past. Its major scenic spots include the Temple of Confucius, Leitai, the Haizang Temple, Tower of Luoshi Temple, Tiantishan Grottoes and Han tombs.
 Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan Pass at the western end of the Great Wall extends southward to the Taolai River near the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and northward to the precipices of the Heishan Mountain. On the mountains meanders the Great Wall. The Jiayuguan Pass tower, strategically located between the Qilian Mountain and Mazong Mountain, guards the east-west passageway at the western end of the Great Wall and is the best preserved pass. Surrounded by three inner and outer walls and several lines of defense, Jiayuguan was a vital military stronghold of defense.
Opening hours:8:00-17:00
Dunhuang
An important post on the Silk Road with a history of more than 2,000 years, located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor. Major scenic spots include the Mogao Grottoes. Mingsha Hill, Crescent Moon Spring, Yumen Pass, Yangguan Pass, Great Wall of the Han Dynasty and the ruins of the ancient Shazhou Town.
 Mogao Grottoes
Located on cliffs 25 km southeast of Dunhuang. The first cave of the Mogao Grottoes was carved out in the year 366 and so far it has a history of more than 1600 years. Art works of this treasure house cover architectural designs, sculptures and murals. Still preserved are 492 caves with 2,415 colored statues and 45,000 sq.m of murals. It is the greatest and most consummate gallery of Buddhist art in the world.
Opening hours: May to October:9:00-17:00
November to April: 9:30-12:30 14:30-17:00
Colored sculptures in Mogao Grottoes
The colored statues are divided into four categories, namely, buddha, including Sakyamuni, Maitreya, Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha) and Amitabha; bodhisattva, including Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantabhadra and Bodhisattva the Great Power-Coming; disciples of the Buddha, including Ananda and kasyapa; and heavenly warriors and earth deities. All the statues reflect vividly the characteristics of different periods.
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