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

  • PeterStk

    Reviewed 4thApril2015

    But too strictly controlled, in a very Chinese way. You have to board a bus which drives down a one-way straight road through the desert, and every km or so the bus stops, everyone piles out, is allowed 10 minutes or so to photograph themselves...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

  • TravellingBish

    Reviewed 19thSeptember2013

    We have avoided group tours for nearly all of our 5weeks in China however had little choice on this one and glad we bit the bullet and went - stunning. The tour stopped a number of average stops on the way however the finale of...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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Soosee Q

    Reviewed 14thJune2018

    Not as spectacular as expected. Visited on 13th June and it was raining so the driver couldn't drive into the area for photographing. Beware those who did got stuck in the wet soil. Pray for a sunny day when visiting.

  • 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

  • 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

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