Yadan National Geological Park
Yadan National Geological Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.5
181 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
54
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
3
AZCasualTraveler
Mesa, AZ2,438 contributions
Oct 2019
The Yadan (Dunhuang) Geological Park is a large, remote desert area that had been designated by UNESCO as both a World Cultural Heritage Site and a Global Geopark for its importance in the history (Silk Road) and a unique, natural scenic area. in the GeoPark, there is a modern visitor center with displays describing the area's history. Just outside the rear door of the visitor center, is the Small Fangpan Castle and is located in Yumen Pass.
Also from the Visitor Center, there are shuttle buses that takes you to the ancient Han Dynasty Great Wall section. As can be seen in my photos of this section of the Great Wall, the design and construction is very much different than the sections of the Great Wall that is located in central and eastern China.
So if you are interested in seeing ancient and historic sites of the Silk Road era like I am, then these attractions are for you.
Also from the Visitor Center, there are shuttle buses that takes you to the ancient Han Dynasty Great Wall section. As can be seen in my photos of this section of the Great Wall, the design and construction is very much different than the sections of the Great Wall that is located in central and eastern China.
So if you are interested in seeing ancient and historic sites of the Silk Road era like I am, then these attractions are for you.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xcschlr
Milwaukee, WI816 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
I’ve been to a few geoparks in different parts of the world (e.g., Cappadocia in Türkiye and Yehliu in Taiwan) that have rock formations somewhat similar to those in this park, but they all differ in color and shape. In Dunhuang Yadan Geopark, the shapes of the rocks are more varied, the color is much lighter, and the areas that some clusters of rocks occupy seem significantly larger. Because the traffic of tourists can be very large in the high season, visitors must ride in the park’s eco buses to see the formations for the purpose of protecting the environment, and the length of time for which the bus stops at each scenic spot is strictly controlled. Each scenic spot looks desolate, and unusual shapes of the rocks make you feel that you are on a different planet. We had a great experience there and also enjoyed the 2-hour drive from Dunhuang to the park, as we saw the largest solar farm in the world with many extremely bright sunlight reflectors and wild horses in a nature preserve that looks like African prairie.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nickiBH
Hong Kong559 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
If you have a few days in DunHuang, and after visiting the MingSha Mountain and the Crescent Moon lake, if you plan for a day trip, you can consider Yadan, to see the different rock formations.
Depending on the time you visit the geopark, it can make a very different impressions (see comments of some complaining reviewers). If you don't plan ahead, you may arrive in mid day or in the hot afternoon, where the colours are not that spectacular.
However, if you plan well and have done researches, you would know, and enjoy Yadan's best, sunset or sunrise (as in many other sites near the Gobi desert.)
Please remember you are now in the Gobi vicinity and you do your sightseeing in the hottest hours, you can get grumpy like some.
We left DunHuang leisurely at 9am, stopped by the other two sites on the way (Yang Gate in the N and Yumen Gate in the S). Then it took us another hour to arrive in Yadan shortly after 5pm
The sun is due to set at 7:30pm (October), so you still have lots of time. We were going to just board a half empty bus. The controllers asked if we wanted to see the sunset.
TIPs: He explained if we boarded the bus at 5:30pm, we would be returning BEFORE the sun set!
At first we were quite reluctant but listened to him anyway. Spent the next two minutes watching the info sessions.
As we boarded the bus at 5:50pm, our journey to chase the sunset (October time) started with the three or four stops.
We knew from our researches that the best part would be to the south, in a 4x4, for an extra RMB 400 per vehicle ( more than an hour's ride). We had the jeep for ourselves but many young people there were asking for partners to share the cost, if you want. The car can sit four.
The most spectacular and colourful journey of the day then spreads in front of you as you go south, leaving the bulk of tourists at the back.
You get to see more interesting rock formations, and at the end, you can climb up the in the last stop and see from high above. It's not a difficult climb and there are not too many tourists.
Finally we returned to work the parking at around 8pm or 8:30pm. Don't worry that you will be the last ones, there are still a lot of cars and taxis waiting for returning guests.
TIPs: pre-book and confirm with your driver (if you don't drive) about the returning time and price and specify that you want to see the sunset. All taxis there come with their guests and will them back. Don't expect to just wave and get a taxi to go back to town (3 hours), unless you want to freeze overnight and become another formation!
Depending on the time you visit the geopark, it can make a very different impressions (see comments of some complaining reviewers). If you don't plan ahead, you may arrive in mid day or in the hot afternoon, where the colours are not that spectacular.
However, if you plan well and have done researches, you would know, and enjoy Yadan's best, sunset or sunrise (as in many other sites near the Gobi desert.)
Please remember you are now in the Gobi vicinity and you do your sightseeing in the hottest hours, you can get grumpy like some.
We left DunHuang leisurely at 9am, stopped by the other two sites on the way (Yang Gate in the N and Yumen Gate in the S). Then it took us another hour to arrive in Yadan shortly after 5pm
The sun is due to set at 7:30pm (October), so you still have lots of time. We were going to just board a half empty bus. The controllers asked if we wanted to see the sunset.
TIPs: He explained if we boarded the bus at 5:30pm, we would be returning BEFORE the sun set!
At first we were quite reluctant but listened to him anyway. Spent the next two minutes watching the info sessions.
As we boarded the bus at 5:50pm, our journey to chase the sunset (October time) started with the three or four stops.
We knew from our researches that the best part would be to the south, in a 4x4, for an extra RMB 400 per vehicle ( more than an hour's ride). We had the jeep for ourselves but many young people there were asking for partners to share the cost, if you want. The car can sit four.
The most spectacular and colourful journey of the day then spreads in front of you as you go south, leaving the bulk of tourists at the back.
You get to see more interesting rock formations, and at the end, you can climb up the in the last stop and see from high above. It's not a difficult climb and there are not too many tourists.
Finally we returned to work the parking at around 8pm or 8:30pm. Don't worry that you will be the last ones, there are still a lot of cars and taxis waiting for returning guests.
TIPs: pre-book and confirm with your driver (if you don't drive) about the returning time and price and specify that you want to see the sunset. All taxis there come with their guests and will them back. Don't expect to just wave and get a taxi to go back to town (3 hours), unless you want to freeze overnight and become another formation!
Written 6 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jameshuang
Taipei, Taiwan2,004 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
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 2 km (1.24 mi) from east to west. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from city center by car. The area was once the downstream of Shulehe River in the ancient time with lots of accumulated clay. The current landform has been going through many floods and erosions by rain and storm for over 700,000 years. It is highly possible that this incredible Yadan physiognomy will disappear in the future. “Yadan” is from the Uyghur language (維吾爾語) meaning “steep hill”. The locals call the area Ghost City because you can hear the sand whispering when the wind blows especially at night.
The visit to Yadan National Geological Park was part of our “West Route Tour”. We hired a taxi for this trip. It cost RMB 500 for a whole day trip of more than 12 hours. After few days of sand storms, we finally had a chance to visit the attractions of west route. The day we went were the day Chinese Army had a military exercise in the area. We needed to pass the Yumen Pass (玉門關) before 9 am or to wait until noon; it was an hour drive from Dunhuang. We decided to leave before 8 am and went to Yadan National Geological Park directly. We arrived at Yadan around 10 am passing through a vast land of the Gobi desert. Taxies are not allowed to the park so we had to take the tour bus to see the amazing geo-heritage. There were many tourists in such an early morning due to the military exercise. We were the last two persons getting on the bus, and we sat at the end. I found out that it was no bad at all sitting at the end of the bus because I could take photos by opening the windows (not all the windows can be opened) to avoid the reflections. The bus stopped at 4 locations – peacock, lion, sphinx and armada of western sea. You have to use your imagination to enjoy the natural artworks. The tour bus only stayed for 10 to 20 minutes at each stop for photo taking. Someone said that there were jeep tours that allow visiting more locations with flexibility, but we did not see such tours. After the tour, we had our okay lunch at one of the restaurants at the main building.
Because the 2-way paved road was completed recently, you can’t find it on GPS map or Google map (earth mode). I finally found it on Google Map (earth mode) at 40.5121952, 93.2380827. Due to the hot climate and no shadows at the park, it is recommended to bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and remember to wear shoes (not slippers and sandals). Check the weather and bring the necessaries before you go.
The visit to Yadan National Geological Park was part of our “West Route Tour”. We hired a taxi for this trip. It cost RMB 500 for a whole day trip of more than 12 hours. After few days of sand storms, we finally had a chance to visit the attractions of west route. The day we went were the day Chinese Army had a military exercise in the area. We needed to pass the Yumen Pass (玉門關) before 9 am or to wait until noon; it was an hour drive from Dunhuang. We decided to leave before 8 am and went to Yadan National Geological Park directly. We arrived at Yadan around 10 am passing through a vast land of the Gobi desert. Taxies are not allowed to the park so we had to take the tour bus to see the amazing geo-heritage. There were many tourists in such an early morning due to the military exercise. We were the last two persons getting on the bus, and we sat at the end. I found out that it was no bad at all sitting at the end of the bus because I could take photos by opening the windows (not all the windows can be opened) to avoid the reflections. The bus stopped at 4 locations – peacock, lion, sphinx and armada of western sea. You have to use your imagination to enjoy the natural artworks. The tour bus only stayed for 10 to 20 minutes at each stop for photo taking. Someone said that there were jeep tours that allow visiting more locations with flexibility, but we did not see such tours. After the tour, we had our okay lunch at one of the restaurants at the main building.
Because the 2-way paved road was completed recently, you can’t find it on GPS map or Google map (earth mode). I finally found it on Google Map (earth mode) at 40.5121952, 93.2380827. Due to the hot climate and no shadows at the park, it is recommended to bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and remember to wear shoes (not slippers and sandals). Check the weather and bring the necessaries before you go.
Written 25 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingNature
New York City, NY218 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
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 small non air conditioned bus. The tour lasts 90 minutes with four stops of 5 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes and 10 minutes with the optional of paying an additional fee to be taken further in. We spent a total of 7 hours just to stand and take a couple of photos from the stops.
After waiting a hour while the ticket taker was still trying to round up more individual tourists. We boarded a bus and then a tour group arrived. Immediately we disembarked and told to board the large bus which could fix both groups. A a result the usual mob scene of 45 passengers getting on and off the bus for the quick photo stops.
The fees are many. The two tier for locals and foreigners is an insult for a so called national geopark. First you have to pay an entrance to the entire area and then you pay a gate admission to the park and an additional fee for the required bus. You are not allowed to walk the area. The reason why it is recommended is because the transportation to this remote allows the driver and car to make money.
The yardang landforms are located in many deserts in the world.
After waiting a hour while the ticket taker was still trying to round up more individual tourists. We boarded a bus and then a tour group arrived. Immediately we disembarked and told to board the large bus which could fix both groups. A a result the usual mob scene of 45 passengers getting on and off the bus for the quick photo stops.
The fees are many. The two tier for locals and foreigners is an insult for a so called national geopark. First you have to pay an entrance to the entire area and then you pay a gate admission to the park and an additional fee for the required bus. You are not allowed to walk the area. The reason why it is recommended is because the transportation to this remote allows the driver and car to make money.
The yardang landforms are located in many deserts in the world.
Written 12 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica K
Shanghai, China38 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We had only 2 full days in Dunhuang but made it all work easily. We rented a car and driver from the Silk Road Hotel (1500 RMB for the weekend or about $230USD), and on one day they took us out to Yadan National Park.
The drive through desert is often boring (about 2.5 hours), but there are stretches of beautiful mountain scenery.
Once you get to the Park, you must get onto a tour bus (it seems private cars not allowed in the park itself), which takes you and 30 other Chinese tourists to 5 stops within the park at 10 minute intervals, with a final 1 hour interval for exploring. WEAR SNEAKERS! The gravel does not work well in flip flops.
The restaurant at the entrance to the park isn't bad either- although quite self service and no English menu. Also, this is China...don't forget your own soap/Purell and tissues!
Amazing scenery and definitely worth it.
The drive through desert is often boring (about 2.5 hours), but there are stretches of beautiful mountain scenery.
Once you get to the Park, you must get onto a tour bus (it seems private cars not allowed in the park itself), which takes you and 30 other Chinese tourists to 5 stops within the park at 10 minute intervals, with a final 1 hour interval for exploring. WEAR SNEAKERS! The gravel does not work well in flip flops.
The restaurant at the entrance to the park isn't bad either- although quite self service and no English menu. Also, this is China...don't forget your own soap/Purell and tissues!
Amazing scenery and definitely worth it.
Written 2 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ayu312
Chicago252 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
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 yourself! And bring some water and snacks along the trip; there are not many places that you can get snack and water. Even hot water costs money when you get it by the national park store... Which I can understand, because it's really in the middle of nowhere...
Written 17 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanson LAU
Richmond, Canada115 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
We went with a tour group to visit Yadan National Geological Park. We left Dunhuang at 9am, made a peepee stop at Jade Gate and arrived at Yadan at 12noon. We had lunch at Yadan Cafe. You have to leave your tour bus and take the Yadan shuttle buses. The shuttles made four stops of about 10 minutes each for you to take pictures. Very different scenery from other national parks in North America.
Written 1 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenTraveling
Beijing, China87 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
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 Chinese sky (zero pollution or city lights here!) is amazing.
Written 15 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YorkHiker
Yorkshire, UK1,390 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
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 of 100RMB. The jeeps see more of the park, have longer stops, and stop in areas with no other tourists. The buses stop three times for 10 minutes, and one time for 30 minutes. All bus stop locations have multiple buses stopped with many tourists to get in the way of photos.
The maps of the park have walking routes, but I could not see any evidence of this. Maybe pre arranged hikes?
Pay extra to use the jeep tours, around 400RMB instead of 100RMB. The jeeps see more of the park, have longer stops, and stop in areas with no other tourists. The buses stop three times for 10 minutes, and one time for 30 minutes. All bus stop locations have multiple buses stopped with many tourists to get in the way of photos.
The maps of the park have walking routes, but I could not see any evidence of this. Maybe pre arranged hikes?
Written 29 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickiBH, can you please tell me how you organised your trip and what you aprox. Payed for it?
Written 24 February 2018
Hallo, I'll visit Yadan geological park in August 2016, I need to contact a travel agency that in a day can let me see the attraction..do you know?
Thanks Alberto
Written 4 June 2016
Hallo, I'll visit Yadan geological park in August 2016, I need to contact a travel agency that in a day can let me see the attraction..do you know?
Thanks Alberto
Written 4 June 2016
conoscete un'agenzia locale per tour al YADAN GEOLOCIC PARK?Grazie
Barbara
Written 7 May 2016
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