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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • YorkHiker

    Reviewed 29thAugust2015

    Yadan NP is a large open desert with interesting rock formations. If you use the bus tours you will feel very crowded and restricted. Only in China can they make a huge desert feel claustrophobic! Pay extra to use the jeep tours, around 400RMB instead...More

  • 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

  • ayu312

    Reviewed 17thNovember2015

    Strongly recommend to come and visit this geological park. Quite spectacular with natural formations of the landscapes! It's a bit far from Dunhuang but it's worth the trip! The bus in the national park will take you around so you actually cannot wonder around by...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

  • Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

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

  • 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

  • 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

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