Shanxi Yushe Provincial Geopark of Paleontological Fossils

Shanxi Yushe Provincial Geopark of Paleontological Fossils

The Shanxi Yushe Provincial Geopark of Paleontological Fossils serves as an educational and science outreach base.

The Yushe County area is home to a vast number of paleontological fossils, earning it the world-renowned title of "Hometown of Fossils." In addition, the unique loess stone forest and the "Yushe Group" standard stratigraphic section have become important bases for studying the Cenozoic geographical environment, climate change, and biological evolution. With the establishment and operation of five science education bases in the Shanxi Yushe Provincial Geopark of Paleontological Fossils, including the “Four Scenic Spots and One Museum,” the park has gradually developed science education, experimental, and experiential content focused on paleovertebrate fossils, geological relics and landforms of the Yushe Basin, and wetland sciences such as those at Yunzhu Lake. Since 2007, the geopark has received over 100,000 visitors and science education participants.

Due to its abundant fossil resources of plants and animals and their significant scientific research value, Yushe County was designated as a “Key Protected Area for Paleovertebrate Fossils” by the State Council in 1961. The currently operational Yushe Geological/Fossil Museum further attained the status of a National Second-Class Museum in 2009. It is believed that in the near future, Yushe will establish itself as a comprehensive geopark science education base with beautiful surroundings, thriving culture, and robust infrastructure.