Giving up on Changbai Mountain! Going for the Dunhuang snow scenery that's half the price first!

I've found a budget alternative to Changbai Mountain! Dunhuang snow scenery at 500 RMB per person, had an amazing time Who would have thought! Originally planned to rush to Changbai Mountain with my sisters But after seeing the flight and hotel prices, we gave up right away 😭 Turned to Dunhuang instead! Off-season prices are literally halved The snow scenery combined with the Gobi Desert is so stunning it leaves you speechless! I've put together a tested, no-fail practical guide Sisters planning to go, just copy this👇 🏯 Mogao Caves | Off-season Half-Price Full Experience Guide 1️⃣ Buy half-price tickets online directly! 140 RMB includes 10 regular caves, no extra transport permits needed, and you can change your reservation time online. We changed our 10 AM slot to 9:30 AM last minute, very flexible! 2️⃣ Keep your feet super warm! Even the guides wear heated insoles. For those visiting the special caves in the afternoon, double socks are a must! Otherwise, after 2 hours inside the caves, your feet will get numb from the cold ❄️ 3️⃣ As soon as the regular cave tour ends, rush to the special cave ticket office! We finished the regular caves at 12 PM, got tickets and found the next group gathered at 12:50, no time to eat 😭 The Dunhuang Old Flavor restaurant on the right side of the main entrance saved us! They have hot water, grilled sausages, and instant noodles—just enough for a quick bite 4️⃣ When buying special cave tickets, be sure to ask about the tour order! We chose caves 45, 220, and 320, but cave 220 was scheduled last, so we had to wait in the cold wind until 3:30 PM, freezing and unable to enjoy it! I recommend choosing special caves based on timing to avoid this suffering 5️⃣ Don’t miss the exhibition center opposite the special caves! It has replicas like cave 285, some matching the special caves, great value! There’s a shuttle back to the Digital Center. If you’re heading to Mingsha Mountain, keep an eye on the shuttle schedule so you don’t miss your trip 6️⃣ Life-saving tip if you can’t stand the cold! Take a break in the restroom, it’s heated and you can even use an outlet to warm your phone. Carry some heat packs in your pocket for extra warmth! 🌙 Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake | Off-season Few Crowds, Great for Photos 1️⃣ Enter the park by scanning your ID! Last entry is 6 PM. We left the Digital Center at 5 PM, perfectly missing the sunset 🌄 Recommend entering 2 hours early, climbing the dunes takes a lot of time 2️⃣ Shoe covers are really unnecessary! Don’t waste money! The sand is fine and soft, won’t hurt your feet. Just shake out your shoes after playing. Wearing shoe covers actually slows you down 3️⃣ Secret to climbing dunes easily! Step on the footprints of those ahead on the ladder, climb slowly and don’t rush, you’ll reach the top easily and enjoy the full view 4️⃣ Remember the lighting time! Crescent Lake lights up from 6:30 to 7 PM, but the shuttle stops at 6:30! Manage your time well so you don’t get stuck without a ride at the end ✅ Dunhuang in the off-season is really amazing! Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and saves money. Avoid these little traps Had a super comfortable time with my sisters~ Hope this guide helps those planning to go!