Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Overview
Commonly known as the 'Devil's City' due to the eerie howling sounds the wind makes, this massive geological park features bizarre, wind-eroded rock formations that resemble a ruined medieval city, fleets of ships, and mythological beasts.
Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Opening Hours & Tickets
- 06:00–19:30 (Adjusted seasonally to accommodate sunset viewing)
- Best season: Late afternoon. The standard tour buses are timed so that the final stop (The Peacock formation) aligns with the spectacular desert sunset.
- Ticket note:
Ticket price includes the mandatory internal shuttle bus. To go off the standard...
Essential Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 937 8833089
- Internal tourist shuttle buses
- Restrooms at the visitor center
- Off-road Jeep rental (premium service for deeper exploration)
- Basic snack shop at the entrance
How to Get to Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
No public transportation. You must charter a taxi or join a local group tour 'Western Route' which typically includes Jade Gate Pass and the Ruined Great Wall on the way.
Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Travel Safety & Advice
Dial 120. Phone signals are completely dead in certain parts of the park. Stick strictly to the tourist paths.
Recent Reviews
Came here as part of a Silk Road road trip. The park is huge and the scenery is otherworldly. We spent about 3 hours and could have stayed longer. The staff at the entrance were friendly and gave good tips on which viewpoints to hike. Unforgettable place.
Absolutely breathtaking! I've traveled to many national parks around the world, and this one is a true gem. The silence, the vastness, the layers of golden earth – it's like walking on Mars. Our driver stopped at the best photo spots. 10/10 experience!
The geopark is decent but honestly a bit overhyped. The landscape is unique, but the visitor facilities are basic and the entrance fee felt high for what you get. The dust storm didn't help – got sand in every pocket. Okay if you've never seen a desert before.
We went on a windy afternoon and the whole place felt majestic. The rock formations are incredible, though the heat was exhausting. The off-road buggy ride to the deeper area was a highlight. Would recommend going early or late to avoid the midday sun.
Stunning landscape that feels like another planet. The wind-carved yardangs are absolutely surreal, especially at sunset when the shadows stretch forever. Our guide was knowledgeable and we had plenty of time to explore. A must-see in Gansu!
We took the sunset tour and it was pure magic. The colours shifted from orange to deep purple against those weird rock shapes—I've never seen anything like it. The park is well maintained, clean toilets at the entrance, and the shuttle service is efficient. Definitely a highlight of our Gansu trip. Don't skip this!
One of the most surreal places I've ever visited. It's like walking on Mars without leaving Earth. The rangers were knowledgeable and gave great tips on which trails to take. The silence out there is deafening in the best way. Highly recommend the early morning tour to catch the changing light. Absolutely 5 stars.
Absolutely mind-blowing! The golden hour light made the wind-carved clay formations look like another planet. I spent two hours just walking around the main viewing platform—no crowds, just silence and endless shapes. This place is a photographer's dream. Bring extra batteries and a windproof jacket!
Pretty impressive landscape, but the visitor center could use some work—there's hardly any shade and the water refill stations were out of order. The sunset views over the yardangs are gorgeous though, and our driver was super friendly. I'd say it's worth a stop if you're already in the area, but don't expect luxury.
Honestly, I was a bit let down after hearing so much hype. The wind was brutal, sand got everywhere, and the shuttle bus felt rushed. Some of the rock formations are cool, but without a good guide you're just staring at piles of dirt. Not worth the long drive if you're short on time.
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