Golden Spike Scenic Area

　　The Huangnitang “Golden Spike” is the first “Golden Spike” officially recognized in China by the International Commission on Stratigraphy in January 1997. The term “Golden Spike” is a colloquial name derived from an event in the 19th century when the eastern and western sections of the U.S. transcontinental railroad were joined. To commemorate this milestone, a golden railway spike was driven at the connection point, abbreviated as “GSSP.” In geology, the Global Stratotype Section and Point is also abbreviated as “GSSP,” hence the popular term “Golden Spike” section. The Huangnitang “Golden Spike” represents a globally standardized stratigraphic section dating back approximately 460 million years, corresponding to the mid-Ordovician period. Simply put, the “Golden Spike” functions as a measuring tool—but not like the rulers we use for clothing or height. This “ruler” is used to measure geological time. In other words, to determine the stratigraphic age of rocks from that period anywhere in the world, the Huangnitang “Golden Spike” section in Changshan serves as the reference standard for comparison and analysis. That’s why it’s recognized as a Global Standard Stratigraphic Section.

　　According to expert research, over 460 million years ago, the Huangnitang “Golden Spike” section was once under the ocean. Due to tectonic movements, crustal evolution, and the uplifting of riverbeds, this area has since become land. Many marine organisms that died during this time have fossilized. Today, various types of fossils can be found within the Huangnitang “Golden Spike” Scenic Area, with the four most significant being graptolite fossils, conodont fossils, brachiopod fossils, and trilobite fossils, along with a small number of gastropod fossils. Over the years, experts from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology and the Zhejiang Geological Survey have conducted multiple field investigations here, collecting various fossil specimens for scientific study. Some of these fossils are also on display at the Geological Museum in Wenfeng Square, downtown Changshan.

　　Address: Huangnitang Village, Tianma Subdistrict

　　Driving route: 7 km south of the Changshan exit on the Hangzhou–Jinhua–Quzhou Expressway