Photos taken on September 3, 2023, shows visitors riding camels through the desert in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. /CFP

Dunhuang's attractions have drawn millions of visitors this year, many of whom come to experience the magic and mystery of the desert landscape up close.

The Dunhuang cultural and tourism department has stated that more than 5 million tourists have visited their six major scenic spots this year, including the Mogao Grottoes with their fascinating ancient murals and the Crescent Spring. It marks a 27.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019. As wanderers ride on camels between the desert dunes in Gansu Province, they cast an image of traders plying the ancient Silk Road hundreds of years before.