Sichuan Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park

Sichuan Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park

Sichuan Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park is a national geological park.

Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park is situated in Da'an District, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, spanning 8.7 km². It is abundant in fossils of dinosaurs and other vertebrate animals from the Middle Jurassic. Within the 2,800 m² area that has been discovered, over 200 individuals and more than 10,000 bone fossils have been identified, comprising various species such as dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, fish, amphibians, and mammal-like reptiles. These belong to 18 genera and 21 species (20 of which are new species). The wide range of taxa, along with their well-preserved condition, holds significant scientific value. Nearby, the world’s earliest deep salt well remains well-preserved, and the ancient drilling techniques it showcases are truly remarkable.

Overview

The scenic area is divided into sections (tourist area, park, zone, scenic spot, functional area, sightseeing area, protected area, service area, cluster, attraction), including “One Museum” (Zigong Dinosaur Museum), “Three Zones” (fossil burial zone, ecological restoration zone, dinosaur amusement zone), and “One Center” (visitor center). Facilities include geological heritage exhibition halls, internal displays of relics, establishment of geological profiles, and newly added interactive entertainment projects.

The monument of Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park was officially unveiled on September 28, 2002, during the opening ceremony of the geological park. Located on the left side of the square, it stands approximately 8 meters tall and features an abstract sculptural design. It is constructed from layers of purplish-red primordial stones stacked together, with jagged rocks and uniquely shaped peaks. Faint imprints of dinosaur bone fossils are visible on the stones, symbolizing the traces of life evolution recorded through hundreds of millions of years of geological change. The front of the main monument is inlaid with the golden characters “Sichuan Zigong Dinosaur National Geological Park,” inscribed by Sun Wensheng, then Minister of Land and Resources. The front of the base features the logo of the National Geological Park, while the back bears an inscription.

Zigong Dinosaur Museum

Zigong Dinosaur Museum is located at the dinosaur fossil excavation site in Dashanpu, northeast of Zigong City, about 11 kilometers from the city center. It is another large-scale on-site museum in China, following the Banpo Site and the Terracotta Army pits of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The first phase of the museum covers an area of 25,000 square meters, with a construction area of 6,000 square meters, divided into three parts: the main building, green space, and auxiliary structures. The main building houses the Fossil Burial Hall, Central Hall, Fossil Mounting Exhibition Hall, Lecture Hall, and Dinosaur Ecological Environment Hall. The dinosaur burial site spans 1,900 square meters, where the bones of various dinosaurs are interwoven across nearly horizontal sandstone layers, offering a microcosm of a massive dinosaur graveyard. In the mounting hall, there are nearly 10-meter-tall “Tianfu Omeisaurus” skeletons, composite reconstructions of multiple dinosaurs, and specimens of ancient vertebrate fossils. The building’s exterior is constructed from natural sandstone blocks, harmonizing with the dinosaur excavation site. Its innovative concept, unique design, and captivating appearance make it a must-see.

Dinosaur Fauna

Within the 2,800 square meters that have been excavated, over 10,000 skeletal fossils from more than 200 individuals have been discovered. These include dinosaurs as well as fish, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, and mammal-like reptiles.

There are 18 genera and 21 species, 20 of which are new species. The dinosaur fossils include herbivorous sauropods with 20-meter-long necks, well-preserved short-necked sauropods, fierce carnivorous dinosaurs, and bird-footed dinosaurs as small as 1.4 meters. It also features the world’s earliest and most complete primitive stegosaur from the Middle Jurassic, along with the pterosaurs found alongside it—China’s first discovery in Jurassic strata. There are also plesiosaurs that lived in rivers and lakes. Due to the concentrated burial, large quantity, diverse taxa, and excellent preservation of the fossils, combined with their Middle Jurassic origin, this site fills a gap in the evolutionary history of dinosaurs during this period. As a result, it is one of the world’s most important dinosaur fossil sites, with significant scientific value.

The “Dinosaur Fauna” includes genera and species from 3 classes, 11 orders, and 15 families, encompassing both terrestrial and aquatic, amphibious, and flying ancient vertebrates. There are herbivorous sauropods with 20-meter-long necks, fierce carnivorous dinosaurs, numerous and well-preserved short-necked sauropods, and bird-footed dinosaurs. The most precious finds are the earliest discovered Middle Jurassic stegosaurs and the first discovery of pterosaurs, filling a gap in the evolutionary history of dinosaurs.

Thanks to the concentrated burial, large quantity, diverse range of taxa, and excellent preservation of the fossils, along with their Middle Jurassic age—which fills a crucial gap in the evolutionary fossil record—this site holds immense scientific significance. National Geographic magazine has called Zigong Dinosaur Museum “the world’s best dinosaur museum.”

Resource Conditions: Nearly two thousand years of well-salt production have created a glorious salt culture. This is the birthplace of the world’s first ultra-deep well exceeding 1,000 meters, and the origin of 10 world-leading technologies in well drilling and salt production. “Zigong Well Salt Deep Drilling and Extraction Techniques” were included in China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006. The Zigong Salt Industry History Museum presents a comprehensive depiction of the history of well salt production and development.

The park preserves numerous vibrant cultural landscapes and historical relics. There is a wide variety of well-preserved ancient architecture, with many sites listed as national key cultural relics protection units. The Zigong Lantern Museum, which showcases 800 years of lantern history, encapsulates the essence of Chinese lantern culture.

Land and Resources

Zigong Dinosaur Geological Park is located near Dashanpu Town in the northeast suburbs, 11 kilometers from the city center. The land is owned by both the state and collectives. The nearby resources include land resources, mineral resources (stone, shale, natural gas, brine, etc.). However, resource management departments, in accordance with relevant regulations on the protection of geological heritage set by the former Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, along with the local government, have designated protected areas where land expropriation and mineral extraction are prohibited. Therefore, natural resources are effectively preserved, and their ownership is managed by the cultural relics authorities.