Dunhuang, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, holds a pivotal strategic and logistical position, having served as a crucial intersection along two major trade routes within the vast Silk Road network. Positioned within an oasis at the periphery of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang was one of the initial trading hubs encountered by merchants traveling to China from western regions.
Moreover, it held deep historical significance as a center of Buddhist religious practices and was a sought-after destination for pilgrims. The extraordinary Mogao Caves, consisting of nearly 500 caves carved into the cliffs to the south of the city, house the most extensive collection of historical documents associated with the Silk Roads, providing valuable insights into cultural, religious, social, and commercial activities.