Liaoning Chaoyang Paleontological Fossil National Geopark

Liaoning Chaoyang Paleontological Fossil National Geopark

Liaoning Chaoyang Paleontological Fossil National Geopark is a national geopark.

The Chaoyang Paleontological Fossil Geopark is located in Chaoyang City in western Liaoning, covering a total area of 2,300 square kilometers, with the main geological heritage area spanning 207 square kilometers. The primary geological relics include paleontological fossils, fossil-bearing strata, and geological structures.

The park is rich in cultural and historical sites and was once a Buddhist holy land during the Yan and Liao periods. It is home to the earliest recorded Buddhist temple in Northeast China to date, as well as the Niuhegou Hongshan Culture Site, which has yielded artifacts such as a goddess statue, jade pig-dragon, goddess temple, stone burial mounds, and altar ruins. Its discovery pushed back the history of Chinese civilization by more than a thousand years. The geopark combines cultural, historical, scenic, and geological elements, making it an ideal destination for leisure, tourism, and science education.

The geopark consists of the Shangheshou Paleontological Fossil Park, Sihetun Paleontological Fossil Park, Lingyuan Dazhangzi Park (all major sites of the famous "Jehol Biota" fossils), the AAA-rated Phoenix Mountain Park, and the HuaiShu Cave Scenic Area.

Shangheshou Paleontological Fossil Park

This park is the main section of the geopark. It integrates sedimentary strata and paleontological fossils, serving as a comprehensive park for understanding ancient life evolution and offering sightseeing, leisure, and recreational opportunities.

Sihetun Paleontological Fossil Park and Lingyuan Dazhangzi Park

They are among the major sites of the famous "Jehol Biota" fossils.

AAA-rated Phoenix Mountain National Forest Park

It was a Buddhist holy land during the Yan and Liao periods and is home to the earliest recorded Buddhist temple in Northeast China to date.