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

Jim B
Reviewed 2ndJune2017
If you have an extra day, these rock formations are worth seeing but I wouldn't go out of my way. Bryce Canyon, Utah is much more spectacular.
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
PablosXanderpants
Reviewed 9thOctober2016
It's an amazing place, not only because of the beauty but also because it is almost on the silk road that the merchants, warriors in the past had probably stepped into this region. Lots of imaginative scenes could be made.
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.
crosis
Reviewed 14thJune2012
It was great to get out and see the formations. New facilities make it eaiser to see and get around.
Simon B
Reviewed 6thApril2016
If you think Y120 is a bit steep, there's enough rock formations to see walking around the car park, as well as plenty of pictures and information in two museums. We spent the rest of our time there reading in the bus while the driver...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
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.
Niranjan H
Reviewed 5thAugust2016
The homelike remains of the mountains are beautiful. 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. Its in a desert and its...More

Top Attractions in Dunhuang

Jim B

Reviewed 2ndJune2017

If you have an extra day, these rock formations are worth seeing but I wouldn't go out of my way. Bryce Canyon, Utah is much more spectacular.

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

PablosXanderpants

Reviewed 9thOctober2016

It's an amazing place, not only because of the beauty but also because it is almost on the silk road that the merchants, warriors in the past had probably stepped into this region. Lots of imaginative scenes could be made.

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.

crosis

Reviewed 14thJune2012

It was great to get out and see the formations. New facilities make it eaiser to see and get around.

Simon B

Reviewed 6thApril2016

If you think Y120 is a bit steep, there's enough rock formations to see walking around the car park, as well as plenty of pictures and information in two museums. We spent the rest of our time there reading in the bus while the driver...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

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.

Niranjan H

Reviewed 5thAugust2016

The homelike remains of the mountains are beautiful. 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. Its in a desert and its...More

Yardang National Geopark

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