As part of the "High-Quality Development China Tour — Advancing Gansu" activity, Dunhuang has captivated online influencers with its blend of history and creativity. Dubbed a "time collector", the city transforms its rich cultural legacy into interactive experiences.

Dunhuang Book Center. [Photo/gswbj.gov.cn]

Dunhuang Book Center: A "paper grotto"

Located along the Danghe River, the Dunhuang Book Center offers over 25,000 volumes on Dunhuang culture, including the most complete offline collection of photocopied Dunhuang manuscripts.

From scholarly treasures to zodiac-inspired souvenirs and Mogao-themed blind boxes, the shop invites visitors to engage with history through tactile discovery.

With growing attention from diplomats and tourism professionals, it now welcomes over 320,000 visitors, evolving into a cultural hub praised for blending tradition with market appeal.

A visitor sits at Dunhuang Press. [Photo/gswbj.gov.cn]

Dunhuang Press: Personalized imprints of culture

At Dunhuang Press, culture becomes interactive. Tourists craft personalized stamps using ancient motifs, experience immersive workshops, and sip coffee adorned with cave art designs.

Visually impaired pianist Liu Yang provides a melodic backdrop for visitors, embodying inclusion through art.

Together, these spaces show how Dunhuang harnesses the power of time — preserving its legacy while inspiring new connections through every brushstroke, seal, and song.