Xiuyan Crater

Xiuyan Crater

Xiuyan Crater is located in Luoquanzi Village, Gulong Village, Suzigou Town, where it has presented the landform of a massive ring-shaped depression since ancient times, leading local residents to call it "Quanli" (literally "Inside the Ring"). The crater has an inner diameter of about 1.8 kilometers and a depth of approximately 150 meters. Looking down from the ridgeline of the crater’s rim, it resembles a giant bowl. The scenery here is especially beautiful in summer and autumn.

A meteorite crater is a unique ring-like geological structure formed by the impact of a large meteoroid, asteroid, or comet on a planet and its surface. Prior to this, 176 meteorite craters had been discovered worldwide, but none had been found within China. In the early 1970s, during a geological survey conducted by the First Regional Geological Survey Team of the Liaoning Provincial Geological Bureau in this area, this geological phenomenon was described as a swirl-like structure. Between 1982 and 2004, Zhao Shuming inferred through aerial remote sensing interpretation of geological structures and field observations that the depression was a meteorite crater. From 1998 to 2001, Qin Gongjiong and others, through geological mapping and analysis of heavy mineral sand samples, concluded that the crater was related to a meteorite impact.

Later, Dr. Chen Ming, chief researcher at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led an exploration team to drill in "Quanli" and reached a significant conclusion: the Quanli Crater is the only confirmed meteorite crater in China. Additionally, first-class mineral water rich in low-sodium, high-calcium, and metasilicic acid was discovered in "Quanli," freeing its residents from having to drink bitter, murky water with floating oil slicks.

Dr. Chen Ming conducted scientific research on the rock impact effects, microstructural characteristics of mineral deformation, and geomorphological features of the circular structure in Gulong Village — also known as "Luquan." This circular structure is a bowl-shaped crater with a diameter of 1.8 kilometers, appearing nearly pentagonal to roughly circular in plan view, with an average elevation difference of 150 meters between the crater bottom and the rim ridgeline. Shocked planar deformation features were found in the quartz grains of the deformed bedrock within the crater, serving as diagnostic evidence for identifying its meteorite impact origin. The occurrence of impact breccia and shatter cones in the crater area, along with the resulting impact-induced landforms, all align with the outcomes of a meteorite impact. To date, 176 meteorite impact craters have been discovered worldwide, and the Quanli Crater is the only one in China.

The Quanli Meteorite Crater fills a domestic gap in meteorite crater discoveries and holds extremely high scientific research value, providing valuable insights for exploring the Earth and understanding the universe. It is also a highly promising site for tourism development, capable of enhancing the visibility and reputation of Xiuyan’s tourism.

The scenery of "Quanli" is picturesque, with simple and honest folkways, hidden deep in the mountains like a paradise. It is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts to visit by self-driving or hiking. There are many trails along the "inner wall" of the "Luquan" that lead to the top of the crater rim. Once at the top, the full view of the meteorite crater is laid out before you. For camping, flat areas at the mountain foot can be chosen.

Suzigou Town: Geographic Location: Suzigou is situated in the central part of Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County. The Zhangzhuang Highway and Fengxiu Highway run east-west and north-south, respectively, and the town is 15 kilometers from the county seat. Transportation is convenient. A 50,000-volt substation is located within the town, ensuring reliable power supply.

Administrative Division: Suzigou Town is under the jurisdiction of Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County. The town comprises eight villages: Jianshan, Gulong, Tangheling, Xujia Bu, Suzigou, Hejia Bu, Huangling, and Huangqi, with 78 villager groups in total.

Hydrology and Water Quality: Suzigou Town features interlacing valleys and a network of streams and rivers. There are two major rivers each with a length of over 8 kilometers... More detailed information about Suzigou Town++