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

  • 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

  • TanSuo T

    Reviewed 3rdMay2019

    When we arrived at the Dunhuang Yardang Landform Geopark, we weren't sure what to expect. We'd previously visited the Zhangye Danxia Landform, which was magnificent, and felt that no other landform could compare to its beauty. While the yardangs are certainly nowhere near as aesthetically...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

  • ACMMM00

    Reviewed 4thAugust2019

    I saw pictures of Yadan before I visited in person so I was not terribly disappointed. I have been to similar places such as Bryce Canyon and Arches National Monument in US. They are much more colorful, extensive, and breath-taking than Yadan.

  • K1W1CHINA

    Reviewed 12thAugust2013

    You have to see this place to believe it, just amazing. Incredible stone structures just sitting in the dessert. Landscape is incredible, vast for miles and miles.really worth the visit, highly recommend it, so different.

  • 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

  • DocBrown55

    Reviewed 13thJune2011

    If you care about seeing natural landscape this is a must-do. The Ya Dan landscape was a lake about 12,000 years ago and since then has eroded into amazing landscapes of sandstone. The journey to the area takes you through more or less stony desert,...More

  • maryinchina

    Reviewed 20thApril2017

    Interesting place to see, but in a remote location so be prepared for a long drive to get there. We visited a few places in one day trip: Yangguanmen and the ancient city I think. If you rent a car with a driver he or...More

  • 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.

  • 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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