The first direct flight between Hong Kong and Dunhuang in Gansu province was successfully completed on June 29. Flight number A320 is operated by the low-cost airline, HK Express and connects the two cities.

The flight is scheduled to operate every two weeks and will depart Hong Kong at 9:50 am on Monday and arrive in Dunhuang at 2:45 pm. The return flight will leave Dunhuang at 3:35 pm and arrive in Hong Kong at 8:00 pm.

"Traffic inconvenience used to hamper overseas tourists visiting Dunhuang, therefore the newly opened flight is expected to facilitate the development of Dunhuang tourism and strengthen the connection between Hong Kong and Gansu," said Wang Jianshu, director of the Dunhuang municipality port service office.

Wang added that to boost tourism, Dunhuang will work on opening more flight routes connecting it with South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Siting astride the Silk Road, Dunhuang is a renowned tourist attraction in Northwest China's Gansu province. Visitors can experience the desert landscape at Dunhuang's frescoes, Mogao Grottoes, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring.