Language Aid
Essential Chinese Phrases for the Silk Road
30 phrases you will actually use in Dunhuang and Jiuquan. Pinyin included. No textbook fluff — just what works on the ground.
How to use this page
Show the Chinese characters to locals. Try the pinyin if you are comfortable. Outside of major hotels and Mogao Caves, English is rare in Gansu. These phrases will get you through 90% of situations. Save this page offline before you go — cell signal can be spotty in the desert.
Getting Around
Take me to...
Qǐng dài wǒ qù...请带我去...
Show your hotel's Chinese business card to drivers
How much?
Duō shao qián?多少钱？
Use for taxis and market purchases
Turn on the meter
Qǐng dǎ biǎo请打表
For taxis. Meter = dǎ biǎo
Stop here
Tíng zài zhè lǐ停在这里
Point to your destination on a map
Where is the train station?
Huǒ chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?火车站在哪里？
Use for both classic and high-speed stations
High-speed train
Gāo tiě高铁
Dunhuang station has G, D, and C trains
Tickets & Attractions
One ticket please
Yī zhāng piào一张票
Show your passport — tickets are linked to your ID
I have a reservation
Wǒ yǒu yù dìng我有预订
Use at Mogao Caves when you have booked online
Is there an English guide?
Yǒu yīng wén dǎo yóu ma?有英文导游吗？
Mogao Caves has English guides — ask at the assembly point
What time does it open/close?
Jǐ diǎn kāi mén / guān mén?几点开门/关门？
Times change by season. Confirm at your hotel.
Food & Eating
I'd like to order
Wǒ yào diǎn cài我要点菜
Many restaurants use QR code menus — scan with WeChat
Not spicy please
Bù yào là不要辣
Gansu food is not very spicy, but it helps to say this
Vegetarian only
Wǒ chī sù我吃素
Halal restaurants (清真) are abundant in Gansu and often have vegetable options
The bill please
Mǎi dān买单
Or use the international hand signal (writing in the air)
Bottled water
Kuàng quán shuǐ矿泉水
Do not drink tap water anywhere in Gansu
Donkey meat noodles
Lǘ ròu huáng miàn驴肉黄面
Dunhuang's signature dish — you must try this
Hotel & Money
I have a reservation
Wǒ yǒu yù dìng我有预订
Show your Trip.com or Ctrip confirmation
Do you accept foreign cards?
Kě yǐ yòng wài guó kǎ ma?可以用外国卡吗？
Most places use WeChat Pay or Alipay. Link your card before arriving.
WiFi password
Wifi mì mǎWiFi密码
Hotels will write it down for you
ATM / Bank of China
Zhōng guó yín háng中国银行
Accepts foreign cards. ICBC (工商银行) also works.
Emergency & Help
Help!
Jiù mìng!救命！
Only for genuine emergencies
Call the police
Jiào jǐng chá叫警察
Police number: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119.
I'm lost
Wǒ mí lù le我迷路了
Show your hotel card. Most Chinese will help you find your way.
I need a doctor
Wǒ xū yào yī shēng我需要医生
Major hotels have English-speaking staff who can assist
Where is the bathroom?
Xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?洗手间在哪里？
Squat toilets are standard outside of hotels. Carry your own tissue.
A Note on Language in Gansu
English is spoken at major attractions (Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake, Jiayuguan Fort) and international hotel chains. In taxis, small restaurants, night markets, and train stations, assume zero English. A translation app (Google Translate with offline Chinese pack, or Baidu Translate) plus this page will handle everything. Most Chinese people are patient with foreign visitors trying to communicate — a smile and pointing goes a long way.
Download an offline translation app before you enter China. Google Translate needs a VPN to work.