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

  • mysurp

    Reviewed 15thSeptember2016

    This is a full day trip out of Dunhuang. It's a long drive along some very varied road conditions. There was a lot of roadworks going on so hopefully the drive will be a lot smoother and quicker in the future. The park offers amazing...More

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • nesamoolian

    Reviewed 21stJune2018

    It is really worth the trip from Dunhuang but stop of at the Han Great Wall and the pass on the way. You have to take the tourist transport at the park but can change to a private jeep at stop 3 after 30 minutes...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.

  • core_ce

    Reviewed 18thJuly2017

    Yadan National Park is about a 3h drive from Dunhuang through the Gobit desert, which is already quite interesting in itself. Like most Chinese tourist places, visitors are not able to roam freely. A shuttle bus takes you from the visitor center to three stops...More

  • Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

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

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