Fossils from China

China has become one of the most important countries in palaeontology, with a wide range of fossil sites covering nearly every major period.

The Chengjiang biota, from Yunnan Province, dates to the early Cambrian and rivals the Burgess Shale in importance. It contains soft-bodied marine fossils preserved in fine mudstones — many of them representing early forms of major animal groups, including some of the oldest known chordates. Chengjiang has been key to understanding the Cambrian explosion.

The Lufeng Formation, in Yunnan as well, is known for its Early Jurassic vertebrate fossils. It’s one of the best localities in China for early dinosaurs, including Lufengosaurus, as well as synapsids and early mammals. Some excellent articulated dinosaur skeletons have been found here.

Zigong, in Sichuan Province, sits atop rich Jurassic deposits and is famous for its large sauropod and stegosaur remains. Several nearly complete skeletons have come from the Shaximiao Formation here, and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum is built directly over part of the fossil bed.

Nanyang, in Henan Province, has produced Cretaceous dinosaur eggs in large quantities, often found in nests. While body fossils are less common at this site, the egg material is well-preserved and sometimes shows details of embryonic development.

Liaoning, especially the Yixian and Jiufotang formations, is arguably the most famous of China’s fossil regions. These Early Cretaceous deposits are known for producing feathered dinosaurs, early birds, mammals, fish, and plants — all preserved in fine volcanic ash. Many specimens from Liaoning have been pivotal in discussions around the dinosaur–bird transition.

Wuda (Inner Mongolia) is known for an Early Permian coal swamp ecosystem, preserved in remarkable detail. Known as a “Permian Pompeii,” volcanic ash preserved entire plant communities in situ — trunks, roots, leaves, and even reproductive structures. It offers a rare window into a complete, three-dimensional fossilised forest.

China’s fossil sites are varied, often exceptionally preserved, and have played a major role in reshaping our understanding of vertebrate evolution.

China