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

  • 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

  • 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

  • keithhans1978

    Reviewed 5thSeptember2017

    Only worth a visit if you are willing to spend more money on a jeep ride to go deeper into National Park. Otherwise, the entrance fee does not justify the 4 to 5 scenes that the basic packaged tour offers, and the time taken to...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

  • Soosee Q

    Reviewed 14thJune2018

    Not as spectacular as expected. Visited on 13th June and it was raining so the driver couldn't drive into the area for photographing. Beware those who did got stuck in the wet soil. Pray for a sunny day when visiting.

  • theworldismyhomeblog

    Reviewed 24thApril2012

    After being in Zhangye Danxia, Yadan is not so interesting. It's a long ride, 1hr from Yumeng Guan.

  • 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.

  • rosie38c

    Reviewed 26thMay2016

    I wasn't sure what to expect but I had hired a guide for 3 days and this was our first day and the weather was great and i was the only "wai guo ren" foreigner in the park but really enjoyed it. I have seen...More

  • iamface

    Reviewed 26thMay2017

    although it was remote place but still worth to take time for visit. the landscape was quite special & beautiful. so impressive feeling. the tour bus organization also good that has enough time for visit & take picture by safety arrangement. believe would be more...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

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