Dunhuang adds direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai for winter season.

The historic Silk Road city of Dunhuang is transforming its traditional off-season into a thriving travel period. Local authorities have significantly expanded air connectivity to support this growth. For the 2025-2026 winter flight season, the city has launched new direct routes to major hubs.

According to Zhang Xiaoning, deputy director of the local tourism bureau, the expansion includes direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai. These routes complement increased frequencies to regional transit hubs like Xi'an and Lanzhou. This strategic move by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) aims to improve accessibility to the region's three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Aviation Drives Tourism Growth

The impact of improved air links is already visible in local data. The Dunhuang Museum now receives approximately 1,000 visitors daily. This figure is double the typical winter average. Travelers like Cai Yuwei from Shanghai noted that the flight experience itself is a draw. She highlighted the breathtaking aerial views of the snow-covered Qilian Mountains.

Industry reports from IATA suggest that China's domestic market is evolving. Travelers are moving away from seeking only warm climates in winter. Instead, they are embracing unique cold-weather cultural experiences. This shift is helping cities like Dunhuang overcome the structural challenge of peak and off-peak season imbalances.

Economic and Operational Impact

• Flight Frequency: Increased services to Xi'an and Lanzhou provide better connections for international and long-haul domestic travelers.
• Market Performance: Local night market stall occupancy has surged from 30% to 95% this winter.
• Visitor Flow: Total visitor numbers have increased by roughly 120% year-on-year.

To further encourage travel, major attractions like the Mogao Grottoes and Crescent Spring are offering half-price tickets. These policies, combined with the new flight schedules, make the remote desert oasis a viable winter destination. The city's aviation expansion aligns with broader national goals to reach 810 million passenger trips across China in 2026.

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