A performance featuring flying apsaras, typical images from the Mogao Caves, are presented at a promotional activity of Dunhuang held in Beijing. [Photo by Jiang Dong for China Daily]

To turn the city into a leading convention location, the local government has set up a special subsidy fund of 10 million yuan ($1.38 million) for conferences and exhibitions. Events can receive subsidies ranging from 100,000 to 5 million yuan, depending on scale.

In addition, more performances will be put on in winter, and new flights are expected to become available next year.

In the first three quarters of 2024, Dunhuang received 19.53 million tourists, a 25 percent increase year-on-year. Dunhuang Mogao International Airport has routes connecting to 35 domestic and international cities, based on data issued by the local government.