Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark

敦煌世界地质公园-雅丹景区

Gansu, Jiuquan·40.0429°N, 94.6608°E

Ticket Price

CNY 60, students CNY 30

Duration

2 hours

About Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark

A vast desert landscape near Dunhuang, Gansu, where wind has carved yardang rock formations into shapes like castles, towers and beasts. Known as the 'Devil City', it is best seen at sunset, with shuttle tours through the strange terrain.

Highlights

• Vast desert of wind-eroded yardang rock formations shaped like castles and beasts. • Driving routes through the Devil City. • Stunning at sunset; en route to Lop Nur.

Suggested Route

Visitor center, shuttle through the yardang field, photo stops, then return before dark; allow 2-3 h.

Food & Lodging

Bring water; no dining inside, return to Dunhuang (about 180 km) for hotels and food.

Facilities

Parking, shuttle bus, restrooms at the entrance, and a museum; no shade inside.

Travel Tips

Check for special exhibitions or cultural performances. Some areas may require additional tickets.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: May-October

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.

Location

View on interactive map →

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💱

Book Tickets & Tours

Trip.com

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Tickets & experiences

Buying tickets as a foreign visitor

• Most 5A/4A sites require real-name registration — bring your passport.

• Tickets often must be booked in advance online — peak season & holidays sell out quickly.

• Some remote or border-area sites have entry restrictions for foreign visitors — check before you travel.

External booking links. Prices may vary.

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Opening Hours

08:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00)

Getting There

NW of Dunhuang, ~158–180 km from city (near 303 Provincial Rd). Nearest HSR: Dunhuang Railway Station (~170 km); nearest airport: Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes Airport (~180 km). Reach by tour coach / shuttle from Dunhuang city (78 yuan round trip).

Reservation

Tickets on-site (incl. shuttle, ~120 yuan); advance booking recommended via OTA. Real-name.

Ticket Price

CNY 60 (≈ $8.3), students CNY 30 (≈ $4.2)

📍 中文地址 / Chinese Address

敦煌世界地质公园-雅丹景区

40.0429, 94.6608

Amap ↗Apple Maps ↗Google Maps ↗

Tip: Google Maps may be inaccurate in China — use Amap for navigation.