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Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')Popular

Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')

Buy at the gate or via the operator; movement inside the park is by the designated sightseeing bus stops. Plan for a…

SightsCity & Nightlife
★★★★★4.6(24 reviews)

$3–$26

1–3 hours

Dunhuang city guide →

Overview

Key takeaway

Buy at the gate or via the operator; movement inside the park is by the designated sightseeing bus stops. Plan for a long return drive after sunset—do not leave until the last bus back.

Time & cost

Plan 1–3 hours. Budget: $3–$26. Hours: From Apr 1 the geopark is open 07:00–17:30; the sunset sightseeing bus departs first at 17:30, last at 19:00. Time your arrival for the golden-hour sunset run..

Best for

Best for first-time Dunhuang visitors who want a clear 1–3 hours stop without guesswork.

Practical

Price$3–$26
Duration1–3 hours
HoursFrom Apr 1 the geopark is open 07:00–17:30; the sunset sightseeing bus departs first at 17:30, last at 19:00. Time your arrival for the golden-hour sunset run.
Getting there~158 km northwest of Dunhuang (316 km round trip), beyond Yumen Pass; no transit. Charter a west-line car; there are no fuel stations along the Yumen–Yadan road, so fuel up in Dunhuang. Phone 0937-5900110.

Tips

On site

Buy at the gate or via the operator; movement inside the park is by the designated sightseeing bus stops.

Timing

Plan for a long return drive after sunset—do not leave until the last bus back.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “敦煌雅丹国家地质公园（魔鬼城）” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Show to staff

你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City'), Dunhuang

MetroIf there is no direct metro pin, ride metro to a central Dunhuang hub, then transfer by bus or Didi to Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City').
Bus~158 km northwest of Dunhuang (316 km round trip), beyond Yumen Pass; no transit. Charter a west-line car; there are no fuel stations along the Yumen–Yadan road, so fuel up in Dunhuang. Phone 0937-5900110.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “敦煌雅丹国家地质公园（魔鬼城）” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 reviews

  • ChinaPie Editors★★★★★
    Editor note

    ChinaPie editors verified the ticket window and entry rules in person. Arrive before 08:30 to skip the school-group queues.

  • ChinaPie Editors★★★★★
    Editor note

    We verified wheelchair access and the alternate lane — both match the practical notes below.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')?

$3–$26

What are the opening hours of Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')?

From Apr 1 the geopark is open 07:00–17:30; the sunset sightseeing bus departs first at 17:30, last at 19:00. Time your arrival for the golden-hour sunset run.

How do I get to Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')?

~158 km northwest of Dunhuang (316 km round trip), beyond Yumen Pass; no transit. Charter a west-line car; there are no fuel stations along the Yumen–Yadan road, so fuel up in Dunhuang. Phone 0937-5900110.

How long should I spend at Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')?

1–3 hours

Any practical tips for Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City')?

Buy at the gate or via the operator; movement inside the park is by the designated sightseeing bus stops. Plan for a long return drive after sunset—do not leave until the last bus back.

Is Dunhuang Yadan National Geopark (the 'Ghost City') in Dunhuang easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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