Shazhou Night Market
Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market, a bustling hub in northwest China’s Gobi Desert oasis, is the heartbeat of Dunhuang’s cultural and culinary scene. Established in the 1990s, it revives the Silk Road’s historic role as a melting pot of traders, artisans, and travelers. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the market buzzes with over 200 stalls selling local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs, alongside live performances and folk art demonstrations.
Historical Overview
Rooted in Dunhuang’s Silk Road heritage, the market evolved from small bazaars catering to caravans into a modern tourist landmark. Its name, “Shazhou,” honors Dunhuang’s Tang Dynasty moniker. Renovated in 2016, it blends traditional Uyghur and Han architectural styles with neon lighting, symbolizing the city’s fusion of antiquity and contemporary vitality. Today, it hosts 2 million annual visitors, offering a lively portal to Dunhuang’s culture.
Structural Layout
The market is divided into three zones:
Food Street: Open-air stalls grilling lamb skewers, steaming dumplings, and brewing apricot peel tea.
Crafts Zone: Hand-painted murals, silk scarves, and jade carvings from local artisans.
Performance Square: Nightly Uyghur dances, drum shows, and puppetry under string lights.
A central plaza features a replica of the Mogao Grottoes’ flying apsaras, flanked by murals depicting Silk Road history.
Major Attractions
Dunhuang Donkey Meat Buns: Fluffy buns stuffed with spiced donkey meat, a local specialty.
Apricot Peel Tea: Sweet, amber-hued tea brewed with dried Gobi apricots and rock sugar.
Handmade Camel-Bone Carvings: Intricate jewelry boxes and figurines crafted by Dunhuang artisans.
Silk Road Murals: Miniature replicas of Mogao Grottoes artwork on scrolls and fans.
Uyghur Music Corner: Live performances on dutar (lutes) and daph (drums).
Starlight Rooftop Bar: Overlooking the market with cocktails and shisha under Gobi skies.
Suggested Itineraries
- Express Route (1 hour):
Food Street → Crafts Zone → Performance Square.
Highlights: Quick snack tasting and souvenir shopping.
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Food Street → Crafts Zone → Performance Square → Silk Road Murals Gallery.
Highlights: Full meal, artisan demo, and cultural show
- Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
All zones + DIY mural workshop → Rooftop Bar sunset viewing.
Highlights: Hands-on crafting and nightscape photography.
Ticket Purchase
Entry: Free (open-air zones).
Workshops/Performances: ¥30–¥80 (book at stalls or WeChat).
Packages: ¥150 for a 3-hour guided tour with meals.
Transportation
By Bus: Routes 3 or 1 to Shazhou Night Market Stop.
By Taxi: ¥8 from downtown; agree on fare before departure.
By Bike: 15-minute ride from Shazhou Night Market (rent near Mingsha Mountain).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: 7–10 PM (nightly performances at 8 PM).
Crowds: Quietest in late afternoons; weekends bustling with tourists.
Weather: Spring/autumn evenings ideal (summer nights hot; winter chilly).
Essentials: Carry small bills for street food; bargain politely (expect 10–20% discounts).
Prohibited: Outside food, smoking in non-designated areas.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
