Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark

Address 180km northwest of downtown Dunhuang, deep in the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang, Gansu
Hours 06:00–19:30 (Adjusted seasonally to accommodate sunset viewing)
Phone +86 937 8833089
Announcement: Geological Wonder
Entrance ¥120
Hours 06:00–19:30 (Adjus...
Best Season Late afternoon. Th...
Time needed 2–3 hours (plus 5 hours total driving time from Dunhuang)
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Hong Ma
Reviewer: Lijuan Zhao

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.

Practical Info

  • 180km northwest of downtown Dunhuang, deep in the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang, Gansu
  • 06:00–19:30 (Adjusted seasonally to accommodate sunset viewing)
  • +86 937 8833089
Hong Ma
Hong Ma
Certified Master Tour Guide
Hong Ma, a Lanzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the 8-Day Hexi Corridor expedition, ancient Buddhist grottoes pilgrimage, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.4 (10 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Ticket price includes the mandatory internal shuttle bus. To go off the standard...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Bring immense amounts of water, lip balm, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The UV index here is brutal. For international bloggers, the s...

Reality Check

  • It is extremely remote; the drive takes at least 2.5 hours each way from Dunhuang.
  • Summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
  • Independent wandering is strictly forbidden due to the risk of getting lost in the vast desert.
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Recent Reviews

4.4 ★★★★☆ (10)
RoadTripper_ Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

Wanderlust_K Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Nomad_Snaps Jul 03, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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.

Jenny_M32 Jul 03, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

DesertTrekke Jul 03, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

Campfire_Cas Jun 25, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

MapleLeaf_Tr Jun 25, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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.

LensNomad Jun 25, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

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!

GlobeTrotter Jun 25, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

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.

DesertRat_Ja Jun 25, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

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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Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark Travel FAQ

Can I visit the geopark on my own without a tour?
Yes, but you need a private car or rent a driver. Public buses don’t align with sunset return. I usually hire a driver through my hotel for 500 RMB – split among 4 people, it’s reasonable.
Is the sunset worth it if it’s cloudy?
If heavy clouds cover the horizon, skip it – you’ll barely see the sun. But broken clouds can create dramatic rays. Check the weather at 1:00 PM; if it’s overcast, postpone to the next day if your schedule allows.
How crowded does it get during summer sunset?
Surprisingly, not as crowded as noon. Most tour buses leave by 5 PM. You’ll share the park with maybe 100–200 people, spread across 4 stops. The main platform can get a bit packed, but you can always find a quieter corner.
Are there toilet facilities inside?
Yes, but only at the entrance and at the shuttle bus transfer points. They’re squat toilets with no soap. Carry hand sanitizer. And here’s a tip: use the toilet at the entrance before you board the shuttle – the one at the first stop is often out of paper by late afternoon.
What about sandstorms? How do I prepare?
Spring is the worst for sandstorms. If you see a yellow haze on the horizon before you go, postpone. If you’re already inside, cover your mouth with a scarf and wear goggles or sunglasses. The wind can pick up suddenly – I always carry a buff and a face mask.
Can I bring a camera tripod with rubber feet?
Yes, as long as the feet are rubber and the tripod is under 50 cm folded. But be prepared: some rangers may still say no at the inner viewpoints. I suggest a monopod—it's lighter and almost never questioned.
What if my bag is slightly over 40 cm? Will they measure it?
They have a metal frame at the entrance. If your bag doesn't fit, it's rejected. I've seen guards send away a 45 cm backpack. So measure before you go. Or just bring a soft bag that can compress.
Is there a place to store my luggage if I'm visiting from Mogao Caves first?
Yes, the Mogao Caves visitor center also has lockers (30 yuan). But it's out of the way. Better to store your luggage at your hotel in Dunhuang city. Most hotels hold bags for free. Take a taxi directly to Yardang (about 1 hour, 150 yuan).
Can I bring my own food and eat inside the park?
You can eat at designated rest areas near the shuttle stops. But don't eat on the walking paths—there's no shade and it's disrespectful to the landscape. Pack dry snacks only.
Do I need to show my bag at every checkpoint?
Only at the main entrance. After that, you're free to roam. But the shuttle drivers may ask you to place your bag in the luggage compartment if it looks bulky.
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