As the main staple of the local diet, it revolves around wheat flour noodles. Noodles are served with lamb, chicken, or beef. On the other hand, Dunhuang Rang Pizi (a special food in the western area) has long been one of the most popular dishes in the city. These noodles are actually made from pea flour and are clear, white, cool and slippery. The noodles are seasoned with hot peppers for a cool, yet spicy feel that is just perfect for desert weather (as least that's what the locals would say!).

Shazhou Night Market is one of the best places in Dunhuang to try authentic Dunhuang specialties. Virtually all of the very best of Dunhuang's northwestern cuisine can be found here: Saozi Noodle, stuffed bread and even mutton kebabs. In addition, you will also have opportunity to sample Huanghe sweet melons, grapes and Hami melons.

During the peak tourist season (from June to October) the Dunhuang Hotel arranges performances of song and dances from 6pm to 8pm every evening, known as the “Summer of Dunhuang”. This show means to be a complete reflection of the culture of Silk Road. You can see examples of the folk art of the Muslim, Tibetan, Uigur and Mongolian peoples of China's “wild west”. Part of the show's repertoire is an interpretation of a dance depicted in the frescoes of the Mogao Grottoes!

The Shazhou Night Market is the largest outdoor market in Dunhuang. The entire market is unofficially divided into separate specialty areas such as handicrafts, antiques, tea and local products. The road in front of the market is lined with over 100 stalls specializing in selling handicrafts and other cultural odds and ends like crystal, jade, Dunhuang silk carpets and “glow in the dark” stone cups made from local materials. However, the vendors drive hard bargains and it may be difficult to drive down prices.