Chengjiang Archeological Preserve, China

It will be interesting to visit the Chengjiang Paleontological Park for those who have long dreamed of visiting a real archaeological reserve. It is located in the eponymous county of China. The area of this park is 512 hectares. Unique fossils, as well as other archaeological artifacts, were discovered on its territory. As the researchers were able to establish, samples of fossils of almost 200 species of ancient animals were found here. They belong to the early Cambrian period.

Fossils of marine organisms make up the bulk of the finds. They lived in these places more than 500 million years ago. Some of the samples found are so rare that scientists have not yet been able to classify them. The very first paleontological artifacts were discovered in these places in 1912. The largest research in the reserve was conducted in the middle of the 20th century.

Researchers have been working in the park almost continuously since 1984. The decision to create an archaeological reserve in this area was made in 1997. The unique area was threatened with extinction in 2004. Local authorities wanted to establish the industrial production of phosphates here. However, it was possible to avoid the construction of mines on a unique territory. The park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2012. Almost the entire territory of the park is available for excursions today. Visitors can see artifacts found here in nearby museums. Next - Da Yunhe Grand Canal