Sihetun Fossil Geological Shelter Corridor

Sihetun Fossil Geological Shelter Corridor

Chaoyang is a world-renowned area rich in precious Mesozoic paleontological fossils and is considered one of the most valuable parts of the world’s natural heritage. It is hailed as a global treasure trove of ancient fossils.

The paleontological fossils in Chaoyang are widely distributed, diverse in species, and abundant in quantity. There are nearly 100 known fossil-producing areas, the most famous of which include the Beipiao Sihetun and Longcheng District’s Shangheshou, Lingyuan Dawangzhangzi, and Chaoyang County’s Shengli, Dapingfang, Lianhe, and Yangshuwan. These areas span a distribution region of over 10,000 square kilometers, with the core production zones covering 1,136 square kilometers. The fossil types include birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, crocodiles, pterosaurs, bivalves, insects, and plants, comprising a total of 11 phyla, 36 classes, 65 orders, 171 families, 343 genera, and 628 species. These form a systematic and complete Mesozoic “Jehol Biota,” setting five world records: the longest timespan, the greatest quantity, the most comprehensive range of species, the most stratigraphic layers, and the highest scientific research value. This site is home to the world’s best-preserved early mammal skeleton (Zhangheotherium), the most intact early frog (Sanyanlishan), the earliest bird fossils, as well as the earliest insect and plant fossils. These 11 phyla, 36 classes, 65 orders, 171 families, 343 genera, and 628 species together form a systematic and complete Mesozoic “Jehol Biota,” achieving five world records: the longest timespan, the greatest quantity, the most comprehensive range of species, the most stratigraphic layers, and the highest scientific research value. This is also the location where the world’s best-preserved early mammal skeleton (Zhangheotherium), the most intact early frog (Sanyanlishan), the earliest bird fossils, the earliest insect and plant fossils, the world’s first “flower” (the angiosperm “Liaoningograntia”), and the world’s first bird (the feathered Sinosauropteryx) took flight. Among these, the discovery of the Sinosauropteryx rewrote the textbook theory that birds originated from the German Archaeopteryx.

To protect and utilize these precious paleontological fossil resources, the Sihetun Fossil Geological Shelter Corridor and the Liaoning Paleontological Fossil Museum have been established. Additionally, plans are underway to construct the world’s largest national-level Bird Fossil Geological Park, which will integrate tourism, scientific research, education, and leisure entertainment.