Sand Dunes outside Dunhuang

Yesterday evening, 5 of us rented bicyles and cycled 6km out of town to the famous Sand Dunes. We got there perfectly in time for sunset which was beautiful over the rolling dunes. Initially there were hundreds of Chinese tourists there, but for some peculiar reason they all disappeared before sunset (!?) so it was very peaceful and quiet on top. A few of my friends sand-boarded down the dunes, but, saving money, I ran down almost completely out of control! We then ventured to the night-market, which seems like the place to eat in these Chinese cities. Dunhuang's nightmarket was very modern with funky neon lights and heaving with locals. We had simple but delicious stir-fry veg noodles.