"Silk Road-- The Cradle of Chinese Civilisation" Top 5 Page for this destination Dunhuang by leigh767

Though the present day desert landscape along the Silk Road suggests little of the once-flourishing trade route of the 3rd century, Dun Huang and the surrounding relics are still a wonder to behold.

At -25C, the Silk Road trail is also the second-coldest trip I have ever taken but it turned out to be one of the most incredible, most invigorating experiences in recent memory. At times, I truly felt spirited away to another era.

I visited the western-most tip of the Great Wall (Jia Yu Guan/"Jia Yu Pass"), sand dunes, deserts and the Mo Gao Grottoes -- the last site being an eye-popping destination that's worthy of its place on the UNESCO list.

A must for those who want to have a better understanding of China's ancient past.

Prepared to be humbled.

Moon rising high over the temple

When visiting the famous sand dunes of the Silk Road, look out for the ancient temples. Pop in and say hi to the locals and if time and your cold-tolerance allows, have a cup of tea too. They are really friendly and you will feel like you've entered another world. :0)

Sprawling edge of Hei Shan

... the stunning mountains. Took this while flying on a propeller plane back from Dun Huang to Lanzhou. It was the most breathtaking flight I've ever taken, hands down.

• Pros:A fresh perspective on China.
• Cons:So cold that parts of your body you didn't know you had will ache.
• In a nutshell:Do not even think about going there in January without triple-lining socks!