The oasis town Dunhuang is strategically located at the western end of Gansu province, a principal post along the ancient Silk Road, that ancient braid of caravan trails stretching for more than 7,000 kilometres from China to the Mediterranean, which served as a highway not just for merchandise, but also for ideas - religious, cultural and artistic. The town marked a confluence of many cultures and ethnic influence from Europe and central Asia and was an important centre for Buddhist arts, among them the most famous are the Mogao Grottoes. While just outside the town, the Crescent Moon Spring and Singing Sand Dunes offer breathtaking wonder in the desert.