Huanghetang Ancient Fossil Excavation Site

Huanghetang Ancient Fossil Excavation Site

The Huanghetang Ancient Fossil Excavation Site is a cultural heritage site protected by Qianshan County.

Huanghe Reservoir was formed due to land subsidence, nestled among several rounded low hills. With a mild climate, moderate rainfall, abundant sunlight, and rich ecological resources, it serves as an ideal habitat for cranes. Hence, this small reservoir is named "Huanghe Reservoir." The ancient fossil excavation site is located southwest of Huanghe Reservoir, covering an area of approximately 37,000 square meters, including surrounding villages such as Sanyi, Donghong, Heping, and Xuguang, with the highest concentration in Heyuan Group, Sanyi Village. The exposed Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary fossils from the mid-to-late Paleocene era mostly consist of vertebrate fossils of reptiles and mammals, including more than ten species of turtles and tortoises. These index fossils provide valuable data for the study of human evolution. In October 1986, the People's Government of Qianshan County designated the Huanghetang Ancient Fossil Excavation Site as a key cultural relics protection unit.