Mingkou Petrified Wood Cluster

Mingkou Petrified Wood Cluster

Mingkou Petrified Wood Cluster, locally referred to as the Ancient Wood Fossil Group, is located beside the spillway of Liufang Junfeng Reservoir, on the mountainside to the left of the reservoir dam, and within the Le’an River basin in Mingkou Town. Some of the petrified wood is exposed on the surface of the mountains, while a considerable portion remains buried deep within the mountains and beneath the Le’an River. The area covers approximately 5 square kilometers. Research indicates that this petrified wood cluster was formed around 150 million years ago due to geological changes. On the surface, intact petrified wood resembles a tree that has fallen to the ground, with visible bark and tree rings. Due to long-term weathering, many of the petrified wood pieces exposed on or near the surface have been broken, but the shape of the trees is still preserved, offering significant archaeological and aesthetic value. For example, the petrified wood in Leping City’s Chongyanglou Park was relocated from beside the Junfeng Reservoir spillway in 1997. In recent years, many merchants have visited the area to purchase petrified wood for crafting decorative items to be displayed in parks and homes. However, in line with the principles of protecting natural heritage, the local government has implemented measures to safeguard this prehistoric cultural site.

The Mingkou Petrified Wood Cluster is the only prehistoric natural heritage site with a history of over 100 million years within Leping City.