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

  • jameshuang

    Reviewed 25thOctober2014

    Yadan National Geological Park (雅丹地質公園, Yadan Landforms or Ghost City) is located on the northwest of Dunhuang, Gansu, 185 km (115 mi) away from Dunhuang. The park covers over 50 km2 (12,355 acres), and stretches 25 km (15.5 mi) from north to south and about...More

  • 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.

  • 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

  • DJRix007

    Reviewed 10thAugust2016

    Yadan National Geological Park's landscape is stunning, unique and atmospheric. If only one was allowed to explore it in any meaningful way. It is a long way from the nearest cities so tour buses are the easiest transport access. At the time of my visit,...More

  • nesamoolian

    Reviewed 21stJune2018

    It is really worth the trip from Dunhuang but stop of at the Han Great Wall and the pass on the way. You have to take the tourist transport at the park but can change to a private jeep at stop 3 after 30 minutes...More

  • Kittykat821

    Reviewed 31stAugust2015

    Yadan is very bleak and remote but is surprisingly beautiful and enjoyable to visit - despite the moments when you are sand blasted. Bring sunglasses to cover your eyes and a scarf to cover your face. We took the bus tour and found that we...More

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • TravellingNature

    Reviewed 12thOctober2013

    If you travel as an individual tourist, this is the place to avoid. They make you wait up to an hour until they have a full bus load. Of course the tourist groups get immediate attention because of their numbers. The individual tourist gets the...More

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