Yardang National Geopark


  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • yardang national geopark
  • 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

  • KarenTraveling

    KarenTraveling

    Reviewed 14thOctober2015

    We took a Chinese Tourbus that had too many stops before this location, so we had to rush through the park, which was a shame. I recommend the sunset tour, or an overnight camping trip, as the experience of seeing the Milky Way in a...More

  • Kittykat821

    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

  • Cindy C

    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

  • YorkHiker

    YorkHiker

    Reviewed 29thAugust2015

    Yadan NP is a large open desert with interesting rock formations. If you use the bus tours you will feel very crowded and restricted. Only in China can they make a huge desert feel claustrophobic! Pay extra to use the jeep tours, around 400RMB instead...More

  • K1W1CHINA

    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.

  • Leopard154

    Leopard154

    Reviewed 13thOctober2014

    Well worth the drive (approx. 2 hours) from Dunhuang! The rock formations in the sand desert are magnificent. We had a lot of time to walk around in between them. The park is very well organized: no private traffic, only tour buses, which had the...More

  • ayu312

    ayu312

    Reviewed 17thNovember2015

    Strongly recommend to come and visit this geological park. Quite spectacular with natural formations of the landscapes! It's a bit far from Dunhuang but it's worth the trip! The bus in the national park will take you around so you actually cannot wonder around by...More

  • crosis

    crosis

    Reviewed 14thJune2012

    It was great to get out and see the formations. New facilities make it eaiser to see and get around.

  • jameshuang

    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

  • TravellingBish

    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

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