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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • EverythingBurns

    Reviewed 18thAugust2015

    I visited Yadan as the culmination of a day trip across 5/6 interest spots west of the city (highly recommendable), so I got to see it at sunset when it was cooler. First thing, I was initially worried about the Chinese style of micromanaging these...More

  • Lyn K

    Reviewed 8thDecember2015

    WE went to Yadan National park on a private bus tour. We had the same experience as most of the other reviewers, stops for 10 minutes or so at some of the particular sites like the peacock. Be sure to go all the way to...More

  • Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

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

  • 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

  • J K

    Reviewed 23rdNovember2014

    You can take a day tour to the park in a minivan for 60 RMB (pay for your ticket when you arrive) that includes stops at the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty and Yumen Pass. You get to see a lot of the Gobi...More

  • 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

  • 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

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