Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark(Yadan Devil City)

Who would have thought that besides ancient architecture, Shanxi Datong also has such an amazing place! 😭 Took the kids to the Datong Earth Forest, known as the "Devil City of North China," and it was truly breathtaking. The kids had a blast, and this family trip was so meaningful! The stone forest of Datong Earth Forest is located in a depression and looks completely different from the stone forests we've seen before. The shapes are strange and very distinctive~ Hiking and exploring here with the kids, they were as excited as if they had discovered a new continent~ 📸 Tips for photographing with kids, guaranteed great shots! Location: Just enter "Datong Earth Forest" in your navigation to get there. Once inside the scenic area, you can find many angles to admire the uniquely shaped earth forest~ Besides viewing from the ground, we also recommend using a drone to find new perspectives. The kids loved looking down at the earth forest from the sky and kept saying, "Mom, doesn’t it look like an alien castle?"~ Time: The colors of the earth forest change with the sunlight, so it’s best to visit near sunset~ Under the slanting light, the earth forest shows warm tones (golden yellow → orange-red → ochre red), with strong textures and three-dimensionality. Taking photos with the kids at this time means every shot looks like a masterpiece 📷 We went in the evening, and the photos were really beautiful. The kids loved it too~ Other: The earth forest is continuously shaped by wind and rain erosion, and some areas may disappear year by year. So moms planning to take their kids should visit as soon as possible, or you might not see this scenery in the future~ 🌟 Tips for playing with kids: 1. Clothing: The area around Datong Earth Forest is quite open and windy, so bring a light jacket for the kids to avoid catching a cold~ The midday sun is strong, so make sure to protect the kids with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats~ 2. Supplies: Bring plenty of snacks, fruit, and water that the kids like. There aren’t many supplies in the scenic area, so you can replenish energy during the hike. Stop to rest and eat when the kids get hungry~ 3. Safety: When hiking with kids, always hold their hands tightly and don’t let them climb steep earth slopes to avoid accidents~ Some areas in the park may be slippery, so have the kids wear non-slip shoes~ 4. Science education: While playing, you can explain to the kids how the earth forest was formed, such as by long-term wind and rain erosion and water flow, helping them appreciate nature’s wonders and broaden their knowledge~ 5. Environmental protection: Teach the kids to love and protect the environment, not to litter, and to set a good example by preserving this magical earth forest~ Taking the kids to Datong Earth Forest was truly an unforgettable family experience. The kids not only enjoyed the amazing natural scenery but also learned a lot and improved their hiking skills~ The Devil City of North China really lives up to its name and is definitely worth a visit with kids! Moms, be sure to save this guide and set off with your kids! 🌞

I chose this customized tour based on Trip.com's recommendation, and the 8-day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop was an incredible experience! The benefit of a customized tour is the flexibility to arrange your own itinerary. Trip.com's customized tour service was very attentive, making the whole trip relaxed and enjoyable. The scenery along the way was truly breathtaking. Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and the Gobi Yadan landforms—every photo I took looked like a masterpiece✨. The scenery along the route is diverse, with grasslands, salt lakes, and deserts appearing one after another, bringing new surprises every day. The itinerary was well-paced, so we didn't feel rushed and had plenty of time to take photos. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the Northwest specialties were well-arranged—the hand-grabbed mutton was delicious! Travel tips: There are changes in altitude along the way, so be sure to take precautions against altitude sickness. The driver and tour guide were very attentive and provided timely reminders, so just follow their lead. Highly recommended for friends who want to see the beautiful scenery of the Northwest. The Qinghai-Gansu Loop is definitely worth a visit!

Yardang National Geological Park ⛲️ ~ "With wind and sand as the brush, and years as the chisel, a love letter to time is written across the endless yellow sands." Established in 2001, Yardang National Geological Park ⛲️ is famous for its majestic and bizarre landscapes. The park is home to perfectly preserved wind-eroded castles and ridges shaped over vast geological eras. Today, it's celebrated as "one of the three most beautiful Yardangs in China." In ancient times, alongside the Yumen and Yangguan passes, it served as a strategic border fortress on the Silk Road. It's a truly unique landform you can only witness in the desert 🏜️!! 📗 Fun Geographical Facts: Around 700,000 years ago during the Cenozoic Era, this area was the center of the vast "Shule River Fault Basin". Nature deposited thick layers of sandy and muddy sediments from rivers and lakes here. Over incredibly long geological periods, tectonic uplift, rain, and the relentless battering of "gale-force winds from Lop Nur 🌬️" heavily sculpted the landscape into what we now call the "Yardang National Geological Park" ~ 📓 Origin of the Name "Yardang": The term traces its roots back to the Uyghur word "Yardang." In the local tongue, it literally translates to "a small hill with steep cliffs" or "a sheer mound," perfectly describing the bizarrely shaped earthen terraces in the desert weathered by wind and rain 🌦️. Between 1899 and 1902, renowned Swedish explorer Sven Hedin ventured deep into Lop Nur. When he asked his guide what these rolling, strange earthen mounds were called, the guide simply replied "Yardang." Hedin then recorded this phonetic spelling in his English book "Central Asia and Tibet." Ever since, "Yardang" has become the official academic term used by the international geological community to describe "wind-eroded ridge landforms"—pretty fascinating, right? 😂 ✨ Highlights to Catch: (Feel free to let your imagination run wild 😂) ~ 🚢 West Sea Fleet ~ Made up of rows of giant, ridge-like Yardangs stretching out sequentially, they look just like an armada of massive black warships cutting through the waves of the vast Gobi desert. It's an awe-inspiring sight that stands completely unique among all geological wonders in Asia!! ~ 🏛️ Peacock Greeting Guests ~ This is a pictographic Yardang remnant meticulously sculpted by fierce winds. Its incredibly lifelike shape resembles a gorgeous peacock standing elegantly in the desert, just about to spread its tail feathers. It's an exceptionally rare sight ❗️ 📍 Address: Approx. 180 km northwest of Dunhuang, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China ⏰ Operating Hours: 07:30 - 19:30 (Ticket sales and the last sightseeing bus typically cut off between 17:00 and 18:30, dynamically adjusting based on seasonal sunset times) 🚴 Transportation: 1. Tourist Express Bus: Dedicated shuttles run from the city center, taking about 3 hours. 2. Chartered Car or Carpool: The highly recommended option ❗️ Chartering a car downtown or through your hotel (about 400 RMB round-trip) gives you total freedom with your schedule and lets you hit up other spots along the way. 3. Self-Driving: Set off from downtown Dunhuang and head northwest along the G215 National Highway. 🎟️ Tickets: 1. Adults: 50 RMB 2. Children & Seniors: 25 RMB 3. Sightseeing Bus: 70 RMB (Flat rate for both adults and kids, and purchasing this ticket is mandatory to tour the park ❗️) 👣 Suggested Itinerary: Silk Road Heritage City - Western Thousand Buddha Caves - Yangguan Pass - Yumen Pass - Yardang National Geological Park ⛲️ 💗 Why You'll Love It: 1. Perfect for travelers geeking out over geography or earth science. 2. It boasts the largest cluster of wind-eroded Yardang landforms in all of Asia. 3. It features epic desert sunsets, an absolute must for Insta-worthy shots and influencers!

The overall experience was fantastic! The bus was incredibly spacious—a 15-seater that made the journey feel relaxed and comfortable. Our driver was very skilled, ensuring a smooth and safe ride throughout. The guide was equally professional, providing detailed commentary and attentive service. The first stop was a bit rushed with only 1.5 hours, so I’d recommend moving quickly to make the most of your photos and sightseeing. Lunch was at 11:30 AM, but since it's currently the off-season, dining options were limited and a bit pricey. A quick tip: you might want to pick up some light snacks like chicken burgers at the next stop instead—it's much more convenient and budget-friendly. Yadan National Geopark was definitely the highlight of the trip! The mini-trains inside allow you to go deep into the heart of the Yadan landforms to truly appreciate the breathtaking natural scenery. Watching the sunset there was absolutely mesmerizing. Plus, on the way back, we were treated to a stunning star-filled sky—the desert at night is truly magical. The whole vibe was incredible! All in all, this one-day tour of the Dunhuang West Line offers great value for the money. Highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Yadan landscapes and desert nights! ~

They call it Devil City because at night, the wind sings through the rock formations like voices. I went for the 6 p.m. golden hour instead. The yardangs here are massive — some shaped like the Sphinx, others like battleships, others like nothing earthly. The late sun hit them sideways, exaggerating every groove carved by millennia of wind. The color palette was strictly monochrome: ash gray rock against a sky bleeding from amber to bruised purple. No plants break the surface. Just you, the wind, and stone shapes that look like they’ve been waiting since the Pleistocene. I stayed until the rangers kicked me out. Worth it.

The Silk Road stretches on, a beacon of civilization; the Gobi is boundless, and the Yadan landforms are its poetry. Dunhuang is a World Heritage site etched into the Silk Road; Yadan is a geological wonder sculpted by wind and sand over millions of years. Located northwest of Dunhuang and adjacent to the ancient Lop Nur, this Yadan cluster spans approximately 398 square kilometers and is one of the largest and most spectacular landform clusters in the world. Seven hundred thousand years of wind and water erosion have carved out a myriad of ridges, pillars, and residual hills. The Sphinx, the Peacock, and the West Sea Fleet—each wind-eroded sculpture is incredibly lifelike. Gilded by sunrise and layered with color at sunset, every step reveals a new view, all masterpieces of wind and sand created over millennia. Yadan is connected to the Jade Gate Pass and the Han Great Wall, together writing the legend of the Silk Road. Observe the vast array of landforms by day, admire the golden sunset in the evening, and gaze up at the Milky Way stretching across the desert at night. Here, the awe of nature and the weight of history resonate in your heart. The wind sweeps across the Gobi, carving the rings of time; the sand falls upon the vast sea, forging a geological legend. Every grain of sand and stone holds a universe; standing amidst it feels like sitting face-to-face with millions of years of time. A glimpse of Dunhuang is worth a thousand years; an encounter with Yadan is unforgettable. This geological wonder hidden deep in the desert, a Silk Road epic etched in time, awaits every dreamer to come and discover it.

I booked the Dunhuang West Line private car day tour based on Trip.com's recommendation, and I was blown away by what a great value it was! I have to give a huge shout-out to our driver, Xiaogang. Not only is he a safe driver, but his photography skills are top-notch. He brought over 300,000 worth of equipment—cameras, drones, DJI Pocket, you name it. He provided commentary on the attractions along the way and gave us thoughtful tips on how to navigate and explore efficiently to save time. With his guidance, the Danghe Grand Canyon looked absolutely magnificent. On the way back from Yadan, he even went out of his way to find a spot for us to view the Milky Way and the starry sky. The view was breathtaking—it was worth the trip just for that. If you're heading to Dunhuang, I highly recommend Xiaogang. I hope you get to experience this same pleasant surprise. Tips: When taking the Dunhuang West Line, it's best to check the weather and sunset times in advance so you don't miss the Yadan sunset and the best views of the starry sky. It's a full day of driving with strong sun and sand, so remember to bring sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. Keeping some snacks in the car will also make things easier. Going with an experienced driver helps you avoid the crowds and explore efficiently, saving time and giving you peace of mind.

The most magical natural wonder in China is here! Dunhuang Yadan Geopark is definitely a must-visit spot in Northwest China! 🏜️ 📍 Location Located 180 kilometers from Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, it’s truly a paradise far away from the city! 🚗 ✨ Geomorphology Science The super cool name "Yadan" comes from Turkic, meaning "steep riverbank." It was first discovered by the Swedish explorer Sven Hedin in 1903! He also filled in many blanks on the world map~ 🌏 The landscape here looks like an alien world! Covering a huge area of 398 square kilometers, the entire park is a collection of wind-sculpted artworks! 🎨 🌟 Fascinating Facts · Yadan formations aren’t just on Earth! They’re also on Mars! 👽 · The famous Egyptian Sphinx is actually an enlarged version of Yadan landforms! · Every rock here has a story to tell! 👇 🦚 Photo Must-Visits The "Peacock Spreading Its Tail," "Mongolian Yurt," and "Camel Line" rock formations are perfect for photos! It’s best to come at dusk when the lighting is most beautiful! 🌅 Especially a photo of the desert road at sunset—it’s like a movie-level filming location~ 🎬 📌 Travel Tips 1️⃣ It’s recommended to charter a car or drive yourself; the scenery along the way is also beautiful. 2️⃣ Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; UV rays in the desert are very strong. 3️⃣ Wear bright clothes for better photos. 4️⃣ Don’t forget your drone; aerial shots are stunning! From unique geological wonders to breathtaking sunset moments, everything here is truly amazing! Come and experience the masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship~ 🏜️✨

Here is a unique and less crowded Qinghai-Gansu self-driving route that avoids the usual popular itineraries. The trip is flexible and adaptable to various travel methods, suitable for carpooling or renting a car. Friends who want to deeply explore Northwest China can save this for reference✨ Travel options are flexible: full charter or rental car from Xining to Dunhuang; take the high-speed train to Delingha and rent a car to explore partial sections; rent cars in segments to tour Qinghai Lake and Qilian sections; or rent a car in Xining to drive the Qilian route and return the car in Dunhuang. For visiting Yadan Great Wall, Mars No.1 Highway, and Hala Lake sections, it is recommended to rent a 4WD vehicle. The entire route can be customized by adding or removing attractions according to personal preferences. This guide focuses mainly on starting with Qilian and a one-way route from Xining to Qinghai Lake, suitable for group carpooling! ➡️ Daily Itinerary DAY 1 Xining — Gangshika Snow Mountain — Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers — Ebao Town — Qilian No.9 Highway — Wild Ox Valley — Back Mountain of Zhuo'er Mountain The Lianxin Lake at the foot of Gangshika Snow Mountain offers a unique view, with its artificially sculpted blue waters adding charm to the light hiking route around the snow peak. After a light hike at the snow mountain base camp, stop by Menyuan rapeseed flowers, then drive along the road to Qilian. This is a lesser-known scenic route connecting Qinghai Qilian and Gansu Sunan, with landscapes different from the usual Biandukou section. On clear days, after visiting Wild Ox Valley, you can return to the back mountain of Zhuo'er Mountain to watch the sunset. Navigate to Lunbuxiaguo; no need to enter the scenic area, the hill on the right side of the road is the best viewing spot. DAY 2 Qilian Sunrise — Qinghai Lake Cliffs — Garila Temple — Dongge'er Viewing Platform — Tianjun Stone Forest — Tianjun County Watch the sunrise in Qilian early morning, then visit several lesser-known viewpoints around Qinghai Lake for an immersive lake scenery experience. The scenery along the way is soothing and healing. Arrive in Tianjun County by evening for overnight stay. DAY 3 Tianjun County — North Shore of Hala Lake — Liuli Lake — Delingha This section includes over 100 kilometers of rough gravel roads with complex conditions. In clear weather, two-wheel-drive vehicles can cautiously pass; rainy or overcast weather increases difficulty. Before departure, be sure to check tires, spare tire, and tire-changing tools. The highest altitude on this route is about 4,800 meters, so altitude sickness prevention is necessary. Without a 4WD vehicle, you can return from Tianjun County as the road conditions are smoother. You may choose to stay by the lake to enjoy sunrise and sunset views. DAY 4 Delingha — Liuli Lake — Tosu Lake — Delingha If you missed Liuli Lake the previous day, you can visit it today. After reaching Tosu Lake with a two-wheel-drive vehicle, do not drive off-road as the surrounding soil is soft and easy to get stuck. You can pay to ride in local villagers’ vehicles to enter the core lake area for a better experience with fewer crowds. DAY 5 Delingha — Dacaidan Emerald Lake — Lenghu Heidushan (Black Solitary Mountain) Heidushan is crowded with tourists during the day. For a more comfortable visit, go to the left hill when it’s less crowded, or explore deeper inside when it’s busy. Accommodation in Lenghu is generally basic and relatively expensive, but it helps avoid mainstream crowds and improves the travel experience. You can optionally add Chaerhan Salt Lake and Water Yadan scenic spots. DAY 6 Lenghu — Mars No.1 Highway — Mars Camp — Eboliang Immerse yourself in the unique Mars-like landscapes of Northwest China. The highway scenery is vast and desolate, full of atmosphere. DAY 7 Eboliang — Yadan Great Wall — Ruyi Lake — Lenghu — Dunhuang (Car Return) Finish by visiting the lesser-known Yadan landforms and lake views. Complete the entire off-the-beaten-path route and end your trip in Dunhuang by returning the vehicle. The images and text are sourced from the internet; please notify us for removal if there is any infringement.

It's been a while since I've traveled the Dunhuang West Line. When I arrived this time, I found that the UOM check showed it was a blue zone 💙. I asked a police officer 👮 at the visitor center just to be sure, and after a quick verbal report, I was good to fly~ I arrived at the scenic area around 6:30 PM ⏰ and stayed until the final sunset viewing spot, just as the sun was hitting the horizon 🌅. The shuttle bus stops for 10 to 15 minutes at each point along the way, so I took the opportunity to fly my drone 🚁 in the gaps. I recommend saving 2 full batteries for the last spot so you can really enjoy flying ⚡️ The mix of sand dunes and pools 🏜️💧 makes the mountain scenery absolutely stunning, and the light and shadows at sunset are incredible ✨

Dunhuang West Line One-Day Tour 🈶 These attractions: Dunhuang Ancient City, Silk Road Heritage City, Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass, Han Great Wall Ruins, Yadan Geological Park, exclusive stargazing base 🌌. If you don’t want to plan your own itinerary, Tianyou Travel Agency is your best choice. You can contact us on any platform, and we offer 24-hour online customer service. See Image 1: Here is an introduction to the fees and tips for each attraction: First stop: Western Thousand Buddha Caves 🎫 Ticket 30 RMB/person (half price for students) About 38 km from Dunhuang city center, approximately 40 minutes by car. The Western Thousand Buddha Caves are part of Dunhuang’s Buddhist art system. Four caves are open to the public, and they are truly spectacular! It’s quite popular, so expect to queue. Second stop: Yangguan Ruins 🎫 Ticket 50 RMB/person (half price for students), sightseeing bus 10 RMB/person, horse/camel 🐫 ride 60 RMB, donkey cart 20 RMB/person. This is a must-visit attraction on the west line! The Yangguan mentioned in Wang Wei’s poem “Beyond Yangguan, no old friends” refers to this very place. You can also visit the Commandant’s Office to buy a pass and experience crossing the border. Third stop: Yumenguan Pass 🎫 Ticket 40 RMB/person (half price for students), sightseeing bus 50 RMB/person The Yumenguan in Wang Zhihuan’s poem “Why should the Qiang flute complain about the willows? The spring breeze does not cross Yumenguan” is right here. Note that the existing ruins mainly include the large and small square city ruins, Han Great Wall ruins, and beacon tower ruins. Fourth stop: Yadan Geological Park 🎫 Ticket 50 RMB/person (half price for students), sightseeing bus 70 RMB/person, off-road vehicle 🚙 550 RMB per vehicle. You can have a thrilling sunset chase experience in the “Ghost City”! You can also take the sightseeing bus, which has a guide providing simple explanations. At the fourth attraction, find a good spot to enjoy the uniquely beautiful sunset of Northwest China. If you choose Tianyou Travel Agency, we also offer a sixth stop where the driver will take you to the Yumenguan Stargazing Base for star observation. Sixth stop: Yumenguan Stargazing Base When you arrive at the stargazing base, dedicated staff will adjust the equipment parameters and angles in advance so everyone can see the vast Milky Way galaxy 🌌. It’s truly stunning. A reminder: it gets very cold at night, so remember to dress warmly and bring a hat to prevent catching a cold 🤧.

When you’re visiting Dunhuang, you absolutely gotta take a trip outta the city to check out those jaw-dropping Yardang formations! 🚗💨 These wild natural sculptures are just outside town (about 180 km northwest), and trust me, the vibes are unreal—feels like you’ve landed on another planet! 🤯🌍 The Yardang National Geopark is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. You’ll wanna bring some sunscreen and water, cuz this desert is no joke (seriously, so dry but so worth it). Entrance fees run about RMB 50, and you can grab tickets online via trip.com for max convenience. Pro tip: swing by right before sunset—the colors on the rocks as the sun goes down? Next level! 🧡✨ Pack your camera and get your ‘gram ready. Geology geeks and adventure lovers, this is for YOU! How to get there: Location – Yardang National Geopark, Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China Most people hire a car, but tours also run from downtown—just ask your hotel or book on trip.com. Trust me, the Yardangs are a wild ride and totally worthy of that bucket list!