Historically, Dunhuang served as a vital transportation hub between China and the West, playing a crucial role in the Silk Road. Additionally, it was an international city for foreign exchange and a key military site in the Western Regions, leaving an indelible mark on Chinese history. Its rich cultural heritage and extensive history are truly unique. In 1986, the State Council recognized Dunhuang as a Famous Historical and Cultural City in China. After thousands of years of cross-cultural exchange, the Mogao Grottoes have supported the establishment of world-renowned Dunhuangology.
As a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang has seen countless business and tourism exchanges, with various ethnic groups living and merging here. Currently, the population of Dunhuang is predominantly comprised of Han people, with over 20 ethnic groups such as Hui, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Uygur. Many traditional cultures that have disappeared or been lost in other cities have been preserved here.