Yardang National Geopark


Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark (Chinese: 敦煌雅丹国家地质公园) is a national park in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China, that shows the Yardang geological feature of the area. Yardang has been created over time by the soft part of the earth's surface being eroded by wind and rain, with the hard part of the rocks remaining in the desert.

The geopark is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang's town center and covers an area of 398 square kilometers.  Some of the uniquely shaped rocks in the geopark are named "Mongolian Bao", "Camel", "Stone Bird", "Peacock", "The Golden Lion Welcoming His Guests" (Chinese: 金狮迎客), etc.

The unique rock formations in the park developed over a period of 700,000 years. The Yardang geomorphic formations found in the Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark are the largest in China.

One of the most remarkable sites in the Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark is the Yardang Ghost Town. Located within the Ghost Town is the Aisikexiaer Castle. The word 'Aisikexiaer' means 'old city' in the Uyghur language.

Client’s Reviews

  • Gary N

    Reviewed 4thAugust2013

    Our tour of the Old City, Jade Gate, Great Wall ruins, Thousand Buddha caves & the Yadan National Park was very disappointing. First mistake was to go in the afternoon instead of the morning. It was an extremely hot day which didn't help. The "old"...More

  • EverythingBurns

    Reviewed 18thAugust2015

    I visited Yadan as the culmination of a day trip across 5/6 interest spots west of the city (highly recommendable), so I got to see it at sunset when it was cooler. First thing, I was initially worried about the Chinese style of micromanaging these...More

  • TravellingBish

    Reviewed 19thSeptember2013

    We have avoided group tours for nearly all of our 5weeks in China however had little choice on this one and glad we bit the bullet and went - stunning. The tour stopped a number of average stops on the way however the finale of...More

  • K1W1CHINA

    Reviewed 12thAugust2013

    You have to see this place to believe it, just amazing. Incredible stone structures just sitting in the dessert. Landscape is incredible, vast for miles and miles.really worth the visit, highly recommend it, so different.

  • YorkHiker

    Reviewed 29thAugust2015

    Yadan NP is a large open desert with interesting rock formations. If you use the bus tours you will feel very crowded and restricted. Only in China can they make a huge desert feel claustrophobic! Pay extra to use the jeep tours, around 400RMB instead...More

  • Bruce C

    Reviewed 20thJune2015

    This is a trip not to be taken light-heartedly, especially in the summer. It's a long 10 hour day and you go out and back on the same road. At the end is a real wonder that is really worth seeing. Mind you, if it...More

  • hkwoody

    Reviewed 28thJuly2015

    A visit to Yadan is a long (~11 hours) but very worthwhile day. With the help of our hotel we booked the afternoon tour (leaving at 13h00). The price of the bus is CNY86. It was on time. First stop was a well known, to...More

  • Fei Z

    Reviewed 15thAugust2014

    A must visit place, please bring umbrellas, it is extremely hot. It can easily reach 50+ degrees, and sometimes 60+ degrees.

  • Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

    Yadan NGP is 180 Km Northwest of Dunhuang, Дуньхуан 736200, Китай. The visit hear is unforgettable. Recommended!

  • Kittykat821

    Reviewed 31stAugust2015

    Yadan is very bleak and remote but is surprisingly beautiful and enjoyable to visit - despite the moments when you are sand blasted. Bring sunglasses to cover your eyes and a scarf to cover your face. We took the bus tour and found that we...More

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