Brief introduction to history of Dunhuang, Gansu

Huanhuan, one of the five mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, is a child of fire, symbolizing the passion of sport. The flames above his head are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals. Let's take a closer look at the city's history.

Fire, which is symbol of grandeur, holiness and luminosity, is lavishly depicted in the Dunhuang murals. A variety of sports practiced in different eras is also vividly portrayed. You can see forms of swimming, wrestling, diving, weight lifting and boating.

The location of Dunhuang along the trade route between Central Asia and China made it a stopping point for religious travels. Between the 4th and 14th centuries B.C., many pilgrims passed through the area, painting murals inside the Mogao Caves. The caves also contain priceless Buddhist texts and manuscripts. For historians, the importance of the discoveries found in Dunhuang cannot be overstated.

Dunhuang is also famed for its characteristic landscapes. The Singing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake are popular tourist attractions not far from the caves. The lake is apparently an oasis surrounded by a sandy area with high dunes. The Singing-Sand Mountain is named for the sound of the wind whipping off the dunes.

Dunhuang's city centre is relatively modern, but the ancient Silk Road culture is felt wherever you go.