Dunhuang and the Mogao caves
I reach Dunhuang after another short trip, in the range of half a day, the last before the big jump west and the enormous distances I’ll travel in Xinjiang. The modern vehicle travelling on a well-surfaced road makes you nearly forget that it is the desert out there, but sand devils whirling over the barren ground indicate that it is all dry and dead.
Dunhuang, in spite of the surrounding inhospitable environment, looks completely different from other places I have seen. Paved streets, flowerbeds, urban furniture beautify this centre of tourism that has been equipped with commercial services, shopping malls, and every modern facility. In the evening there is a seaside resort atmosphere. The roasting stalls that lay parked along the streets during the day are edged forward and lit with coal fire. The streets are invaded by a fleet of chairs and tables. The town turns into a gigantic restaurant, steeped in the smoke from the grilled meats. This place emanates a definite festive character.
Just south of Dunhuang, the desert besieges the town, but it has been turned into a lucrative business. Impressive sand dunes stand as high as a mountain painted by beautiful shadows that highlight their contours. This beautiful spot, which could be a sanctuary of silence in remembrance of the
However, the reason why Dunhuang has developed so much is to be found in its exceptional Mogao caves. They are renowned across
Contrary to
Back in town, the central street is invaded all day long by a tourist market. The stalls sell dried fruits, trinkets and souvenirs. It seems that all the refinery that
The problem of poor quality in
The invasion of Chinese goods, especially in public procurement, may in the long run defile the aspect of other countries. I hope the savings rush will not lead to the impoverishment of my urban landscape. If we need an argument against this, we only have to see