Dunhuang
The Mogao Caves were a at the end of a long overnight train ride. The caves are famous for its paintings and art, well preserved in the dry desert air for over 1000 years. Unfortunately, I have no photos to show since cameras and bags were not allowed inside the caves. I’m not sure it was worth all the trouble and the high ticket cost. All visitors are forced to go with a tour and I had to wait for an English speaking tour guide. I was the only person in the tour group. What I saw inside was pretty incredible. The colors were so bright and clear. Perhaps it was most interesting to see the hidden room where thousands of rare and ancient books were rediscovered 100 years ago.
Lanzhou
Not too much here except the Gansu Provincial Museum and a lot of noodles. This is supposed to be the best place for “la mian” hand pulled noodles, so I ate a lot. The beef flavor is the most common.
Labrang Monastery
I arrived here after Xining in Qinghai province. The bus ride was interesting on a winding road along the Yellow River and then through grasslands and finally arriving in the town of Xiahe which holds the Tibetan monastery. This place holds the most monks in China at the moment: over 500. Everything looks different from the rest of China: roads, buildings, people, clothing, food. It seems more poor here. Many of the roads are dirt, monks don’t use toilets but instead use the road. I was able to meet one monk. He has been undergoing a punishment of bowing for many hours each day for a few days because he missed a meeting. They are strict here. (photos)
Maijishan Grottoes
The last place on my tour of caves. Not as impressive as the caves near Dunhuang, but it is interesting how these ones are built on the side of a cliff. Today there are stairs allowing easy access to all. Inside are various statues. (photos)