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

  • nickiBH

    Reviewed 6thOctober2017

    If you have a few days in DunHuang, and after visiting the MingSha Mountain and the Crescent Moon lake, if you plan for a day trip, you can consider Yadan, to see the different rock formations. Depending on the time you visit the geopark, it...More

  • bjm286

    Reviewed 14thMay2019

    The day trip was fascinating - so much space, so little there! Seeing the earthen Great Wall was a first for me, having only seen the stone sections near Beijing. Our guide was very informative about the history of the Silk Road and she had...More

  • Sarawaklaksa

    Reviewed 27thMarch2015

    feel the space and see the natural rock formations for its beauty . mother nature never fails to impress.

  • WMMeyers

    Reviewed 1stJuly2012

    Reminded us a lot of Zion Natioanl Park in Utah. Huge rock formations in the middle of the desertt. Woth the trip becasue then you go view the Great Wall and the Western Caves.

  • 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.

  • kwoong

    Reviewed 28thOctober2016

    Arrived by coach from Dunhuang and was put onto designated shuttle bus within the park. The bus stop at several stops (3 or 4, cannot remember) and we have about 10-15 mins each at each stop to walk around and take photos. Picturesque landscape, vast...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.

  • 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

  • Venerando B

    Reviewed 26thAugust2013

    Spectacular landforms. The land formations are unique and are truly creations from heaven. A must see before anyone exits planet earth. Google the images and you will get a glimpse of how it looks..but the pictures don't do justice for this wonderful gift from God.

  • Daniele-Donati

    Reviewed 13thMay2019

    Yadan National Geological Park is located very far away from Dunhuang. You will need to charter a taxi which is something that will cost you around 400 /500 RMB. The entrance ticket is 110 RMB. After purchasing the ticket visitors will get on a bus...More

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