Paleontological Fossil Geological Park

Paleontological Fossil Geological Park

The Paleontological Fossil Geological Park is a national geological park.

The Chaoyang Paleontological Fossil Geological Park is located in Chaoyang City in western Liaoning Province, covering a total area of 2,300 square kilometers, with the main geological heritage area spanning 207 square kilometers. The primary geological features include paleontological fossils, fossil-bearing strata, and geological structures. The park consists of the Shangheshou Paleontological Fossil Area, Sihetun Paleontological Fossil Area, Lingyuan Dazhangzi Area (all major sites of the renowned “Jehol Biota” fossils), the AAA-rated Fenghuangshan Area, and the HuaiShudong Scenic Area. It boasts abundant and diverse Mesozoic paleontological fossils. To date, the world’s earliest birds and flowering plants have been discovered here, earning Chaoyang the titles “Where the First Bird Took Flight” and “Where the First Flower Bloomed.” Internationally, it is unique, complete, and rare—making it a world-class treasure trove of paleontological fossils with immense scientific research value. The area also features rich cultural and historical relics. It was a sacred Buddhist site during the Yan and Liao periods, home to the earliest recorded Buddhist temple in Northeast China, as well as the Niuheliang Hongshan Culture Site. Artifacts unearthed there include a goddess statue, jade pig-dragon, goddess temple, stone burial mounds, and altar ruins. These discoveries have pushed back the history of Chinese civilization by more than a thousand years. The geological park combines culture, history, scenic beauty, and geological heritage, making it an ideal destination for leisure, tourism, and science education.