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

  • Jessica K

    Reviewed 2ndSeptember2012

    We had only 2 full days in Dunhuang but made it all work easily. We rented a car and driver from the Silk Road Hotel (1500 RMB for the weekend or about $230USD), and on one day they took us out to Yadan National Park....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

  • 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

  • WMMeyers

    Reviewed 1stJuly2012

    Reminded us a lot of Zion Natioanl Park in Utah. Huge rock formations in the middle of the desertt. Woth the trip becasue then you go view the Great Wall and the Western Caves.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • ACMMM00

    Reviewed 4thAugust2019

    I saw pictures of Yadan before I visited in person so I was not terribly disappointed. I have been to similar places such as Bryce Canyon and Arches National Monument in US. They are much more colorful, extensive, and breath-taking than Yadan.

  • Bally1966

    Reviewed 10thApril2015

    Only if you have an extra day in Dunhuang. It will go with Yumen Guan and thus it's likely that you'll join the tour. It's a geological park but most rocks have been eroded and thus it wasn't as impressive as I've expected. You'll need...More

  • debbie2013616

    Reviewed 11thSeptember2013

    A marvellous scene! From a huge lake in those ancient days to a dessert land. Rocks of varies forms were formed, you just can't imagine how long it takes to have these features. You may lost your way if you are going alone because it...More

  • Florence B

    Reviewed 10thJune2015

    An Interesting Detour on the Silk Road” This is an interesting attraction well worth the long drive to get there. We visited last week. The park is very large. You must take a bus inside that stops at four of the main sites. Regretfully if...More

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