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

  • 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

  • Weeling C

    Weeling C

    Reviewed 20thMay2019

    This venue is far away from city and is usually grouped together with Yu Men Gate as they are in the same direction. It doesn’t have that much history about Silk Road related to it. It is mostly about how the desert environment resulted in...More

  • Konstantin-German

    Konstantin-German

    Reviewed 28thDecember2017

    Yadan NGP is 180 Km Northwest of Dunhuang, Дуньхуан 736200, Китай. The visit hear is unforgettable. Recommended!

  • JasperF368

    JasperF368

    Reviewed 22ndApril2013

    We paid €30 per person to get to Yadan, Han great wall, Jade gate pass and the thousand buddha grottoes. On hindsight I think this is a fair deal, the downside is that we had to go by tourbus, which includes a lot of chinese...More

  • 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

  • TanSuo T

    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

  • MarkMcG1956

    MarkMcG1956

    Reviewed 22ndJune2016

    If you are into Geology, Landforms etc., then this is the place for you. A very long (3 hr) ride to get there but well worth the effort. A bus takes you round to viewing points where you can take photos, wander round etc.

  • DennisGB01

    DennisGB01

    Reviewed 16thApril2015

    Our personal guide, Richard (dunhuang.richard@163.com) drove us there and to the Great Wall Ruins (Han dynasty), as well as the largest solar power station in China for 600 rmb, providing drinks for us, for the 7 hour round trip. (Entrance fees to Great Wall -...More

  • Alistair450

    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

  • 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

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