The most typical Yardangs are particularly concentrated in the basin in Xinjiang, in the arid and extremely arid desert regions in the temperate zone, including thousands groups of orderly arranged bluff cluster shaped Yardang landform, ridge-shaped Yardang landform like a large fleet of ships in a vast sea, castle-shaped Yardang landform with various positions and colors combinations and isolated hill relics Yardang landform with strange positions. The complete process from the surface weathering, embryonic states, full development to disappearance is represented. Furthermore, Xinjiang Yardang includes the four most representative shapes: castles, bluffs, ridges and isolated hill relics. Nomination property is an outstanding example of typical wind-erosion and wind and water complex erosion geomorphic processes in the arid and extremely arid desert regions in the temperate zone
Full screen map of Xinjiang Yardang (On tentative list - China)
The words "amazing" are easily spread around but a trip into the Xinjiang Yardang deserts is extremely satisfying and an adventure you shouldn't miss. I have only visited the Hami basin at Dahaidao, although I did take lots of pictures from the plane when flying to Kanas and the desert landscapes on the way have many yardangs too, I can't exactly count it as having visited.
Some preparations are required:
Have/rent a car. 4x4 is preferred or at least high clearance. I don't usually drive in China but this was an exception and actually it was very easy. I just hate driving in Chinese cities. If you need to rent a driver then you can find it in Hami but they won't come cheap. If you just stick to the road then any car will do.
Sunny day. The Yardangs look drab when you don't have sun shining on them. I would say stay 2 days in Hami in case the first day is cloudy. Hami has other things to do like the a Karez Wells (not the best example but it IS on the tentative list, but having seen it I would recommend checking out the Turpan ones instead) and the Hami snow melon park. If nothing to do you can always stuff yourself with snow melon, grapes, raisins, peaches etc because this is fruit heaven (yes, even though it's in the desert thanks to Tianshan water supplies via the wells). If you don't care …
