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

  • Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

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

  • 342dirkb

    Reviewed 24thAugust2016

    we made a day trip from Dunhuang to the Yadan park with a chinese travel agency. it was a very cool trip and very many stops on the way to the Yadan park. at the beginning it was quite challanging because there were only chinese...More

  • fesss2018

    Reviewed 3rdJuly2019

    We booked the bus with the tourist office for CNY78. They said to meet at 7:00 in the morning but I determined they were to leave at 7:30 so we arrived at 7:25 and the bus left closer to 8:00. They provide a very small...More

  • DennisGB01

    Reviewed 16thApril2015

    Our personal guide, Richard (dunhuang.richard@163.com) drove us there and to the Great Wall Ruins (Han dynasty), as well as the largest solar power station in China for 600 rmb, providing drinks for us, for the 7 hour round trip. (Entrance fees to Great Wall -...More

  • whsun808

    Reviewed 30thSeptember2014

    When you enter there is a bus every 30 minutes, I found that the bus normally left on time when there is around 5 or more people. I've heard that there has been times where leather shoes have fried in the sun. Another thing is...More

  • imd12xl

    Reviewed 11thJune2014

    I would consider this the first time in my life where I noticed I was in an area with low population density. It must have been just a few of us within a great km radius. It was peaceful and quiet. That's just my thought....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

  • DocBrown55

    Reviewed 13thJune2011

    If you care about seeing natural landscape this is a must-do. The Ya Dan landscape was a lake about 12,000 years ago and since then has eroded into amazing landscapes of sandstone. The journey to the area takes you through more or less stony desert,...More

  • PeterStk

    Reviewed 4thApril2015

    But too strictly controlled, in a very Chinese way. You have to board a bus which drives down a one-way straight road through the desert, and every km or so the bus stops, everyone piles out, is allowed 10 minutes or so to photograph themselves...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.

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