Dunhuang History

Dunhuang has such a long history. Dunhuang County, which was founded in 111 BC during the Han Dynasty, lays claim to a history of over 2,000 years.
 
After Emperor Wu acceded to the throne he sent Zhang Qian on expeditions to the West in 138BC and again in 115BC, which culminated in the opening of the most famous trade route, the Silk Road. Dunhuang then entered a stage of growth, step by step developing into the northwestern military and political center of China, and an important place for trade and culture.
 
In 366 AD, the Mogao Grottoes were opened up by Monk Yue Seng for the first time, and the region became prosperous during the Northern Wei dynasty. The caves, murals and sculptures which were made during the Tang Dynasty had reached a very high artistic level.

As an important center for trade and culture, Dunhuang suffered from the chaos of wars, rising and falling for a thousand years. The People's Government of Dunhuang County was established on 7th October 1949.

On 28th September 1987, Dunhuang, the artistic city, was designated as one of the first cities open to foreigners, and in 1992, the government of Gansu Province elevated Dunhuang to the status of Tourism and Economic Development Region.