Tickets for Xian and Mogao without tours and not overpriced

Question

I'm tired and fed up with trying to navigate the internet to buy tickets for attractions (specifically, the Xian Warriors and the Mogao Caves) without being overcharged by the various apps. It's almost impossible to find official websites that aren't blocked for foreigners, and Klook and Trip ask you to pay double or triple the price of an official ticket. WeChat and its mini-apps are infuriating; you're lost despite the translators... What can you do?

Answer

Buying tickets for major attractions in China like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang can be tricky for foreigners due to language barriers, VPN restrictions, and inflated third-party prices. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate this without overpaying or getting lost in apps:

1. Official Websites: Most major sites have official booking platforms, but many are blocked outside China. You can access them using a Chinese phone number or with a VPN. For the Terracotta Warriors, the official site is sometimes accessible as www.bmy.com.cn (in Chinese), and for Mogao Caves, www.dha.ac.cn is the official portal.

2. Local Ticket Offices: The most reliable method is buying tickets directly at the attraction. Both Xi’an and Mogao have ticket counters where foreign visitors can pay in RMB. This avoids middleman markups:

Xi’an Terracotta Warriors – Tickets can usually be bought on arrival, but during peak season it’s recommended to arrive early (around 8:30–9:00 am) to avoid long lines.
Mogao Caves – There is a strict timed-entry system. You can buy tickets at the Dunhuang Tourism Bureau or the visitor center on arrival. Be aware that some tours are mandatory for certain cave sections, but you can still avoid full guided packages.

3. Hotel Assistance: Many hotels and hostels in Xi’an or Dunhuang can help you buy tickets without any markup. They often have direct contacts or can fill out booking forms on your behalf.

4. Travel Agencies in China: Local small travel agencies (not big apps) often offer official tickets for face value plus minimal service fees. Walk-in inquiries at local offices can sometimes be cheaper than Klook/Trip.com.

5. Alternative Apps: While Klook and Trip.com tend to overcharge, some other apps like Ctrip (Trip.com China version) or Fliggy may provide closer-to-official prices, but you may need a Chinese mobile number to book. Some users also use Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card.

6. Timing: For both attractions, it’s best to check the opening hours and book or arrive early. Especially for Mogao, tickets are often sold in time slots, so morning slots can sell out quickly.

7. Tips for Smooth Purchase:

Carry cash in RMB as a backup for counters or small agencies.
Have your passport ready, as it is required for ticket purchases.
Use a translation app with camera OCR to help navigate Chinese-only ticket counters or websites.
If using an app, check the total cost including service fees—sometimes the app’s “discounted” ticket is still higher than buying directly.

In short, the easiest and most reliable way for a foreigner is to either purchase at the official ticket counters on-site, get help from your hotel, or use a reputable local travel agency in Xi’an or Dunhuang. Avoid paying triple through international booking apps unless convenience outweighs cost.

Tickets for Xian and Mogao without tours and not overpriced

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