Rhino Fossil Group

Rhino Fossil Group

The area within the banner is extremely rich in mammalian fossils. Paleontologists and experts from the United States, France, Sweden, the former Soviet Union, Japan, Canada, and other countries have come to conduct research. As a result, Siziwang Banner has become world-renowned as the “Hometown of Fossils.”

In September 1991, a group of rhino fossils dating back 8 to 5 million years was discovered at a brick factory 3 kilometers south of Wulanhaote Town. Experts have identified these rhino fossils as those of the large-lipped rhinoceros, forming a rare large-lipped rhino fossil belt in China.

The fossils are buried in a layer of red mudstone 5 meters below the surface. Preliminary surveys indicate that the fossils are concentrated in an ancient fluvial sedimentary layer about 5 meters wide and 30 meters long, distributed in a band-like pattern running from southeast to northwest. The exposed area covers approximately 150 square meters, with over 20 individual rhino fossils revealed, including 20 rhino skulls as well as vertebrae and limbs. These rhino fossil skeletons, preserved in their original geological strata, maintain the original state of the rhinos’ deaths, whether they are intertwined or layered on top of one another. These precious fossils provide a scientific basis for studying the morphology, structure, geographical distribution, paleogeography, and paleoclimate of the large-lipped rhinoceros.

The large-lipped rhinoceros is a mammal species that lived during the late Miocene epoch of the Cenozoic Tertiary period. It preferred to inhabit hot river and lake areas. This heavy-bodied animal had no horns on its head but featured two large horn-like teeth on its lower jaw, making it a unique member of the rhinoceros family and one of China’s and the world’s precious ancient animals. Visiting this site allows you to witness firsthand the majestic presence of these ancient creatures.