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

  • olliezhang

    Reviewed 12thAugust2015

    This was an intense but beautiful place. I took a jeep-guided tour through these natural formations and it felt like being on another planet. The day hours are hot and scorching, so be sure to adequately protect yourself.

  • Harvey w

    Reviewed 10thApril2015

    We visited the Yadan National Geological Park by renting a private car about 4 hours driving in the desert and Gobi. The hardest part is that this isn’t toilet during these 4 hours, so we have to visit to the Yumen pass to go to...More

  • DawgAbroad

    Reviewed 15thAugust2014

    You wait in lines to board packed tour busses with a Chinese tour guide yelling into a megaphone in Mandarin the entire time. The tour busses make five stops to let everyone take photos of the yardangs that the tourism board thinks resemble animals. Totally...More

  • ayu312

    Reviewed 17thNovember2015

    Strongly recommend to come and visit this geological park. Quite spectacular with natural formations of the landscapes! It's a bit far from Dunhuang but it's worth the trip! The bus in the national park will take you around so you actually cannot wonder around by...More

  • Venerando B

    Reviewed 26thAugust2013

    Spectacular landforms. The land formations are unique and are truly creations from heaven. A must see before anyone exits planet earth. Google the images and you will get a glimpse of how it looks..but the pictures don't do justice for this wonderful gift from God.

  • Lyn K

    Reviewed 8thDecember2015

    WE went to Yadan National park on a private bus tour. We had the same experience as most of the other reviewers, stops for 10 minutes or so at some of the particular sites like the peacock. Be sure to go all the way to...More

  • rosie38c

    Reviewed 26thMay2016

    I wasn't sure what to expect but I had hired a guide for 3 days and this was our first day and the weather was great and i was the only "wai guo ren" foreigner in the park but really enjoyed it. I have seen...More

  • Ripple S

    Reviewed 3rdJuly2017

    China tourism communist game is strong. They dictate every visitors to get onto tour buses to stop people from wandering around, and all buses will set off at same time. They dictate the points where you get off for photos. Every rock to them resembles...More

  • Cindy C

    Reviewed 5thJune2016

    an amazing experience, peaceful and surreal! when the sun comes out it brings out the different colours of the sandstone formation and it's up to your own imagination

  • Leopard154

    Reviewed 13thOctober2014

    Well worth the drive (approx. 2 hours) from Dunhuang! The rock formations in the sand desert are magnificent. We had a lot of time to walk around in between them. The park is very well organized: no private traffic, only tour buses, which had the...More

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