The weird, eroded desert landscape of Yǎdān National Park is 180km northwest of Dūnhuáng, in the middle of the Gobi Desert’s awesome nothingness. A former lake bed that eroded in spectacular fashion some 12,000 years ago, the strange rock formations provided the backdrop to the last scenes of Zhang Yimou’s film Hero . The desert landscape is dramatic, but you can only tour the site on a group minibus, so there’s little scope to explore on your own.
To get to Yǎdān you have to pass through (and buy a ticket to) the Jade Gate Pass . The best way to get here is to take one of two daily minibus tours (per person for 7am departure ¥76, for 2pm departure ¥86), which you can book through Charley Johng’s Cafe or Dune Guesthouse . Shazhouyi International Youth Hostel has similar (per person departing 12:30pm ¥85). Tour prices don't include entrance fees. The 10- to 12-hour tours include a stop at the Jade Gate Pass and the Western Thousand Buddha Caves .
