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

  • 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

  • MarkMcG1956

    Reviewed 22ndJune2016

    If you are into Geology, Landforms etc., then this is the place for you. A very long (3 hr) ride to get there but well worth the effort. A bus takes you round to viewing points where you can take photos, wander round etc.

  • 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

  • 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

  • paiges252

    Reviewed 20thMarch2017

    I wasn't sure what to expect, and it was quite a drive to get there, but the landscape is so unique you have to make the trip. The day I visited there were 5 other tourists on the tour bus. We had great weather and...More

  • Ranjitt3363

    Reviewed 16thFebruary2017

    This park is 3-4 hours from Dunhuang city. while going to this park there are lot of places to see like Dunhuang film studio, caves and great wall. You can hire taxi and go buy your own. Carry some food because There are very very...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

  • Adyllic

    Reviewed 20thOctober2015

    Was keen to see the Yadan park, and the rock formations where beautiful, especially in the sunset. However the tour we went on was the long one for 120 RMB starting at 930 and advertised as ending at 2330. It started at 930 and we...More

  • MasonS559

    Reviewed 12thJune2019

    Getting to Yadan National Geologic Park is a trek from Dunhuang. It is a 180 km trip and it included a pit stop so about 2.5 hours on the bus. There is only desert on the way out there. It is really desolate. The park...More

  • Alistair450

    Reviewed 28thApril2019

    This geographic feature is 180 km from Dunhuang and is well worth the two and a half hour drive. The drive alone is worth the time as you are treated to wonderful views of the desert. A stop along the route is given and allows...More

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