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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • whsun808

    Reviewed 30thSeptember2014

    When you enter there is a bus every 30 minutes, I found that the bus normally left on time when there is around 5 or more people. I've heard that there has been times where leather shoes have fried in the sun. Another thing is...More

  • EverythingBurns

    Reviewed 18thAugust2015

    I visited Yadan as the culmination of a day trip across 5/6 interest spots west of the city (highly recommendable), so I got to see it at sunset when it was cooler. First thing, I was initially worried about the Chinese style of micromanaging these...More

  • fesss2018

    Reviewed 3rdJuly2019

    We booked the bus with the tourist office for CNY78. They said to meet at 7:00 in the morning but I determined they were to leave at 7:30 so we arrived at 7:25 and the bus left closer to 8:00. They provide a very small...More

  • Jim B

    Reviewed 2ndJune2017

    If you have an extra day, these rock formations are worth seeing but I wouldn't go out of my way. Bryce Canyon, Utah is much more spectacular.

  • 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

  • Alistair450

    Reviewed 28thApril2019

    This geographic feature is 180 km from Dunhuang and is well worth the two and a half hour drive. The drive alone is worth the time as you are treated to wonderful views of the desert. A stop along the route is given and allows...More

  • maggie0513

    Reviewed 23rdMay2011

    It took us 2 hrs to get there (We asked the hostel to arrange a driver+car for us and it's $300 round trip including Jade Pass/Han Great Wall) and we arrived around 6:00AM however; we didn't check the weather before we go. It was cold...More

  • Fei Z

    Reviewed 15thAugust2014

    A must visit place, please bring umbrellas, it is extremely hot. It can easily reach 50+ degrees, and sometimes 60+ degrees.

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