Xinmin Paleontological Fossil Group Site

Xinmin Paleontological Fossil Group Site

The Xinmin Paleontological Fossil Group Site is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xinmin Paleontological Fossil Group Site

The Xinmin Paleontological Fossil Group Site is located 110 kilometers from the ancient city of Panxian, in Yangjuan Village, Xinmin Township. It is part of the Wumengshan National Geological Park and also the earliest discovered marine reptile fossil group in Guizhou, dating back approximately 240 million years. Discoveries began in 1999, and formal scientific excavation started as an official project in 2004. This is a paleontological fossil stratum dominated by abundant and well-preserved marine reptile fossils, along with a diverse range of other biological fossils including lepidotid fish, saurichthyids, cephalopods, placodonts, and brachiopods. The fossils are found in the upper section of the Guanling Formation of the Middle Triassic period. The marine reptile fossils mainly include mixosaurids, nothosaurs, and protorosaurs, featuring rich species diversity, excellent preservation, and large quantities. It represents the oldest known Middle Triassic marine reptile assemblage in the world and has been named the Panxian Fauna. The Panxian Fauna fossils have helped fill in the early evolutionary chain of marine reptiles. Currently, the Liupanshui Municipal People's Government and the School of Earth and Space Sciences at Peking University have jointly established the “Panxian Xinmin Marine Animals Research Workstation” to carry out the excavation, protection, and research of marine animals, as well as to develop a “Geoscience Popular Science Education Base.” The appearance of the Panxian Fauna fossils brings to life the underwater world of Panxian 240 million years ago, telling stories of an even more ancient human culture.