Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark

Lore & Background

The geopark is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang's town center and covers an area of 398 square kilometers. Its uniquely shaped rocks include named formations such as 'Mongolian Bao', 'Camel', 'Stone Bird', 'Peacock', and 'The Golden Lion Welcoming His Guests'. The Yardang geomorphic formations found here are among the largest in China, having developed over an extended period of erosion.

Reader's Guide

One of the most remarkable sites within the park is the Yardang Ghost Town, which contains the Aisikexiaer Castle—'Aisikexiaer' meaning 'old city' in the Uyghur language. Due to increased tourism, a research project evaluated the impact of tourism and tourists' cognition of the geopark. The researchers suggested that the administration change the schedule of tour routes, highlight geotourism, and foster the popularization of science and technology through activities supporting inquiry-based learning, geointerpretation, and lively learning. The park's significance lies in its representation of Yardang geology and its role in geotourism and education.

Did You Know?

• The park was designated as a national geopark in 2005 and approved as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
• The Yardang formations in the park are among the largest in China.
• The park is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang's town center.
• The word 'Aisikexiaer' means 'old city' in the Uyghur language.

Sculpted by Millennia of Wind and Rain

The Yardang formations that define this geopark are the product of an extraordinarily long geological process stretching back roughly 700,000 years. Over that vast span, the softer layers of the earth's surface were gradually worn away by the relentless action of wind and rain, leaving behind the harder, more resistant rock as towering and undulating shapes across the desert landscape. The result is what geologists call a Yardang landform, and the cluster found here is recognized as the largest such geomorphic formation in all of China. The park itself spans 398 square kilometers and sits approximately 180 kilometers to the northwest of Dunhuang's town center in Gansu Province. What makes the scene so visually striking is the contrast between the eroded soft sediment and the surviving hard rock, producing a terrain that looks almost sculpted by an artist's hand, yet is entirely the work of natural weathering over hundreds of millennia.

UNESCO Certification and Global Geopark Membership

In 2015, the site received formal approval as a UNESCO national geopark, taking on the official designation of Dunhuang UNESCO National Geopark (China). This certification is not merely a label; it carries obligations that place the park within an international framework. As a fully certified member, the geopark is required to participate in both the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network and the broader Global Geopark Network, aligning its conservation and interpretive efforts with peers across the continent and the world. The recognition underscores that the Yardang features of Gansu Province are considered significant enough to warrant a place alongside other internationally recognized geological heritage sites. For visitors, the UNESCO stamp signals a commitment to preserving the landscape while making its scientific story accessible. For the local administration, it means meeting ongoing standards for geological protection, scientific research, and community engagement that go well beyond what a typical provincial park would require.

The Ghost Town and Its Named Monuments

Among the many striking formations scattered across the 398-square-kilometer landscape, the Yardang Ghost Town stands out as one of the most remarkable sites in the entire geopark. Within its windswept expanse sits a structure known as Aisikexiaer Castle, a name that carries a poignant translation: in the Uyghur language, 'Aisikexiaer' means 'old city,' evoking a sense of ancient habitation now swallowed by the desert. Beyond the Ghost Town, the park is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks that have been given evocative names reflecting their silhouettes. Visitors can spot formations called 'Mongolian Bao,' 'Camel,' 'Stone Bird,' and 'Peacock,' each capturing a distinct natural shape that seems almost too perfect to be accidental. Perhaps the most welcoming of these is 'The Golden Lion Welcoming His Guests' (金狮迎客), a rock whose posture appears to greet arriving travelers. These named landmarks serve as natural waypoints, helping visitors navigate and appreciate the sheer variety of forms that 700,000 years of erosion has produced.

Balancing Tourism Growth with Scientific Stewardship

As visitor numbers to the geopark have grown, the administration recognized the need to understand how tourism was affecting both the landscape and the public's understanding of it. A dedicated research project was launched to evaluate the environmental and cultural impact of increasing tourist traffic, as well as to study how visitors perceived and engaged with the geological features. The findings led to a set of practical recommendations for the park's management. First, the schedule of tour routes should be revised to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Second, the emphasis should shift more deliberately toward geotourism, ensuring that the geological story remains the centerpiece of every visit. Third, the administration was urged to foster the popularization of science and technology through hands-on activities within the geopark. These activities should support inquiry-based learning, facilitate geointerpretation, and create lively, engaging educational experiences that go beyond passive sightseeing. The goal is to turn every visit into a meaningful encounter with 700,000 years of Earth's history.