Tour guide in Dunhuang Qiaofen W.

My name is Qiaofen. I am a native of Dunhuang, a historic oasis city in Gansu Province, where I was born and raised. It is here, on this ancient stretch of the Silk Road, that the renowned Mogao Grottoes—a UNESCO World Heritage site—stand as a testament to centuries of Buddhist art and cultural exchange. Growing up in the shadow of such unparalleled heritage, I developed a deep and lasting bond with this land, and it is this love that has shaped both my life and my career. I graduated from Xi'an Foreign Language University, one of China's most distinguished institutions for language studies. Armed with a solid foundation in English and a burning curiosity about the world, I embarked on my professional journey as an English-speaking tour guide—a path I have proudly walked for nearly two decades. Over these twenty years, I have had the privilege of introducing countless travellers from across the globe to the wonders of Dunhuang and beyond. From the breathtaking murals of the Mogao Caves to the serene beauty of the Crescent Spring nestled among golden sand dunes, I have shared the stories, legends and living traditions that make this corner of China truly magical. One of the greatest honours of my career came when I was entrusted to host diplomatic delegations from several countries, including Spain, Portugal and Italy, during their visit to China for the Silk Road Culture Expo held in Dunhuang. Accompanying these distinguished ambassadors and their entourages, I guided them through the Mogao Grottoes, bringing to life the exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures that have survived for over a millennium. I also took them to the Crescent Spring—a miraculous oasis shaped like a crescent moon, surrounded by towering dunes—and recounted the ancient legends that have been passed down through generations. To see their eyes light up with wonder and appreciation was an experience I will treasure forever. Among all the places I show my guests, my personal favourite is the Dunhuang Museum. It is not merely a repository of artefacts; it is a time machine that transports visitors across the dynasties. In the Han Dynasty exhibition hall, I often pause with my guests before the display of ancient Great Wall beacon towers. I tell them how, two thousand years ago, without any modern technology, our ancestors built these watchtowers across the desert and relayed warning signals by smoke and fire to protect their homeland from invasion. It is a story of human ingenuity, resilience and deep love for one's native soil—a story that never fails to move those who hear it. Another section of the museum that never ceases to fascinate is the Qing Dynasty exhibition hall, which houses documents from the legendary hidden library cave—the famous Library Cave discovered at the Mogao Grottoes in the early twentieth century. This astonishing discovery shook the archaeological world and continues to captivate scholars globally. I explain to my guests how this sealed chamber, filled with tens of thousands of manuscripts, sutras and paintings, had remained undisturbed for centuries before its chance discovery. Those documents—written in multiple languages and scripts—remain objects of intense academic pursuit, offering invaluable glimpses into the cultural, religious and commercial exchanges that flourished along the ancient Silk Road. Beyond my work as a guide, I take great pride in being a storyteller of Dunhuang. Every stone, every mural, every grain of sand in this desert tells a story, and my mission is to make sure those stories reach the ears and hearts of people from every corner of the world. I believe that travel is not simply about seeing new places; it is about connecting with the soul of a place and its people. When I stand before my guests, whether they are first-time visitors or seasoned travellers, I do not just recite facts—I invite them into the living narrative of Dunhuang, past and present. Over the past twenty years, I have come to realise that being a tour guide is far more than a profession; it is a calling. It allows me to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and create lasting memories for those who entrust me with their travel experiences. My roots in Dunhuang are deep, and my passion for sharing its treasures remains as strong as ever. There are many more stories to tell—too many for a single conversation or a single visit. But I warmly invite you to come and experience them for yourselves. Walk through the ancient caves, feel the desert wind on your face, and let the echoes of the Silk Road whisper their secrets to you. I would be deeply honoured to be your guide on this unforgettable journey. Welcome to Dunhuang. I look forward to welcoming you with open arms.