Dunhuang Ancient City, also known as Dunhuang Film Base and Movie Set, Imitated Shazhou Town of Song Dynasty (960-1279), lies 25 km southwest of downtown Dunhuang. Built in 1987 for the Sino‑Japanese film Dunhuang, it's a full‑scale replica of the Song‑era Shazhou Ancient City.

Covering 150,000 m², it features five themed streets: Dunhuang, Gaochang, Ganzhou, Bianliang and Xingqing. The architecture blends Tang and Song styles with Western Xia and Central Asian influences, earning it the nickname "Museum of Northwest Chinese Ancient Architecture". With earthen walls, wooden pavilions, teahouses and ancient shops, it vividly recreates a bustling Silk Road town. Over 100 films and TV dramas have been shot here, making it a top spot to experience ancient frontier charm and Silk Road culture.