Culture is the most outstanding feature of Dunhuang. Generally speaking, Dunhuang culture is embodied in three respects. The first is Silk Road Culture represented by Mogao Grottoes. The second is Frontier Fortress Culture represented by Yangguan and Jade Gate Passes. The third is natural culture represented by Mingsha and Crescent Moon Spring. These kinds of culture, which is a combination of the Eastern and the Western style and with dense color of Buddhism, has been affecting Dunhuang people's production and life. The foldaway of Dunhuang is simple, mild and discreet. Healthy spiritual and cultural life is pursued there. Traditional opera in ancient places such as Qinqiang and Meihu reflects the theme of admiration to heroes and disdain to wicked power. "Summer of Dunhuang" and Dunhuang musical dances reflect the friendly folkway among different peoples in northwest China. People pilgrimage, offer sacrifices to ancestors, worship Buddha, have leisure and amusement in many grand festivals, such as "April 8's Temple fair", "Dragon Boat Festival Temple Fair" and "Mingsha Mountain Sliding-on-sands Festival".
Summer of Dunhuang Theatrical Festival
"Summer of Dunhuang" is a large festival of literary and artistic events, mainly singing and dancing performances. It is mostly featured by the Silk Road culture, reflecting many people's art of songs and dances in northwest mountainous regions. The songs and dances imitate the pictures on the walls of Mogao Grottoes, and reflect the theme of Dunhuang musical dances. The dances, clothes and music of all the peoples along the Silk Road in ancient times can be seen nowadays.