Petrified Wood Geological Relics

Petrified Wood Geological Relics

The Anxi–Wangjiaping petrified wood group geological relics are among the most outstanding representatives of petrified wood groups discovered in China to date, notable for their wide distribution, presence across multiple stratigraphic layers, large quantity, excellent preservation, thick and sizable trunks, diverse shapes, beautifully formed tree roots, and clear wood grain structure.

Along the mountain trail paths in the scenic area, visitors can observe petrified wood groups in various poses, while also enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. The site also integrates leisure, entertainment, and geological exploration in one experience.

To date, 85 petrified wood group sites have been discovered, mainly distributed in Xiashan Village of Huishan Town; Fengshanjiao of Jingping Township; Dayong, Fotou, and Anxi of Jingling Town; Wangjiaping of Chengtan Town; and Suiqin of Meizhu Town. Among these, the Anxi–Wangjiaping area and the Suiqin area boast the richest and highest-quality petrified wood group geological relic attractions.

Related Knowledge: Petrified wood, also known as wood fossil or tree fossil, refers to trees that have turned into stone.

These are ancient trees that were buried underground due to geological processes (such as being covered by volcanic ash from eruptions or by mud and sand from floods). Isolated in a sealed environment and cut off from air, the wood did not easily rot. Over long geological processes, the carbon in the wood was replaced by silica, preserving only the fibrous structure of the wood and the shape of the trunk. According to records by Wang Yue, a prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, large quantities of petrified wood were discovered in Xinchang as early as 800 years ago.

In 1999, the Xinchang Tourism Bureau invested heavily to collect scattered petrified wood pieces from local residents and built a Petrified Wood Forest at Xinchang Dafo Temple. After subsequent expansions and renovations, it was developed into a sizable Petrified Wood Dinosaur Park. In 2004, a large number of dinosaur fossils were discovered in the Early Cretaceous strata of the Nanyan Scenic Area. Upon identification, these were found to be the skeletal fossils of a lizard-type dinosaur, estimated to be about 10 meters in length, further proving that during the Early Cretaceous period, the Xinchang Basin was once a paradise for dinosaurs.

Address: North of Anxi Village, Xinchang County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province

Type: Geomorphological Geology

Ticket Price: 50 RMB