Dunhuang Movie Set

Dunhuang Movie Set, also known as Modeled Shazhou Town of Song Dynasty (960-1279), is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southwest of the city. The town, covering an area of 12,700 square meters (3.1 acres) was originally designed for the setting of the historical film Dunhuang in 1987. The film was made in cooperation with Japan and the set reproduced the layout and construction on a part of the famous scroll painting Qingming Shanghe Tu (The Outing at Bian River on Qingming Festival).

Dunhuang Movie Set presents its majestic appearance in the vast Gobi bearing a rich flavor of the west regions of China. Fully representing the military importance of the western regions in the Tang (618-907) and Song Dynasties, the complex here can give one an impression that the clock has turned backwards to ancient times. Gates are erected on the east, south and west sides of the town. The five main streets, namely the Gaochang, Dunhuang, Ganzhou, Xingqing and Bianliang, criss-cross each other inside the town. Various constructions with distinct characteristics of the Song Dynasty are scattered along the streets, housing arcades, temples, hockshops, warehouses, pothouses, restaurants, dwelling houses and so on.

Taking full advantage of its uniqueness for making movies with a military theme, Dunhuang Movie Set has become the biggest set for shooting movies in northwest China. More than twenty films and television series have been produced here, apart from the movie Dunhuang so far. You might be surprised to recognize the familiar scenes from one of your favorite movies when you are strolling around the town. So be prepared for the unexpected!

This Dunhuang Movie Set is very interesting both for its historical value for putting the vision of the ancient west China into perspective and for its important role in movie-making industry.
 

Take a taxi from downtown area to the scenic area directly and it takes about 15mins.

This site is located halfway between the Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Spot and the ancient city of Yongtai (Turtle City). It is the first movie set in China steeped in native Dunhuang culture. Its main scenic spots include the Ancient Street of Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) Dynasties, Fulong Store, Guyi Shop and Yichun Garden. The replica of Mogao Grotto is the most beautiful place on the lot, built to 1:1 ratio with the original. There are 108 caves distributed among three layers. In order to highlight the western region's unique character, the movie set is dotted with red willows and oleaster trees.

Since its opening, this place has attracted many filmmakers to shoot here. For example, the movie "Xuehua Nage Piao" (Flying Snowflakes) and the TV serial "Da Dunhuang" (Great Dunhuang) are shot on this set. Use of the set is free for making any films or television shows related to Dunhuang.