Yadan Geopark — ChinaMazing

Sight 1

Western Sea Fleet

西海舰队

The West Sea Fleet. Among the most spectacular Yadan formations within Yadan Devil City, the West Sea Fleet is a breathtaking sight. Wind erosion has sculpted the earth mounds into neatly aligned ridges that, from a distance, resemble a mighty fleet surging through the vast Gobi expanse with unstoppable momentum. At dusk, the glow of the setting sun gilds these "warships" in golden-red silhouettes, their shifting light and shadow heightening the scene's desolate grandeur. No artifice is needed here—nature's masterful craftsmanship alone is enough to stir the soul. It is the perfect place to experience the rugged, untamed spirit of the northwestern wilderness.

Sight 2

Peacock Rock

孔雀开屏

Peacock Displaying Its Tail. The Peacock Displaying Its Tail is the most iconic wind-eroded yardang formation in Yadan Devil City, named for its resemblance to a peacock spreading its wings to take flight. Standing alone upon the vast Gobi Desert, it has been sculpted by millennia of wind and sand into distinctive layered textures and flowing curves, showcasing nature's extraordinary artistry. This spot is an excellent location for photography and sunset viewing, where the majestic yardang landforms intertwine with shifting light and shadows, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors should take precautions against wind and sun exposure, and follow park regulations to help protect this fragile geological wonder.

Sight 3

Sphinx Rock

狮身人面

The Sphinx. Located deep within the wind-eroded rock formations of the Yardang Ghost City, this sphinx-like figure was naturally sculpted by long-term wind erosion. Its silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the Great Sphinx of Egypt, making it one of the area's most iconic wonders. The form is remarkably lifelike — a massive boulder reclining on the Gobi desert, its face turned eastward. During sunrise and sunset, the stark contrast of light and shadow lends it an air of mystery and desolation. As a quintessential example of yardang landforms, it bears witness to millions of years of geological transformation and draws countless photography enthusiasts to capture its beauty. When visiting, it is recommended to view this formation in conjunction with the surrounding wind-eroded landscape to fully appreciate nature's extraordinary craftsmanship.

Sight 4

Golden Turtle and Camel

金龟戏骆驼

Golden Tortoise and Camel. The Golden Tortoise and Camel is one of the most vividly formed wind-erosion wonders in the Yardang Ghost City. Carved by millennia of wind and sand, it presents a striking scene of a "golden tortoise" with its head raised high, walking side by side with a "camel." Beneath the Gobi sunset, their silhouettes grow ever sharper, and as light and shadow shift, they seem to come alive. This is an excellent spot for photos and a classic vantage point to marvel at nature's extraordinary handiwork. When visiting, please stay on the walking path, protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated, and keep your belongings safe.

Sight 5

Alien Visitor

天外来客

Visitor from Outer Space. This iconic wind-eroded pillar in the Yardang Devil City resembles a silent cosmic visitor, standing alone in the vast Gobi desert, gazing into the distance. Its peculiar form is the result of millennia of wind and sand sculpting, with the sandstone stratification clearly visible. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, light and shadow trace ever-changing contours across the rock face, revealing strikingly different appearances at different hours. This spot is a popular destination for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the backlit silhouette takes on a distinctly sci-fi quality. When visiting, please stay on the boardwalk and refrain from climbing the rock formations to help preserve this fragile geological wonder.

Core Sights

Western Sea Fleet

Peacock Rock

Sphinx Rock

Golden Turtle and Camel

Alien Visitor