Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark
嘉荫恐龙国家地质公园
The first place in China where dinosaur fossils were scientifically recorded. The “Manchurosaurus” unearthed in 1902 is known as China’s “First Dragon.”
Jiayin County lies in the northeast of Yichun, on the south bank of the Heilongjiang (Amur) River. It is the earliest site in China with a scientific record of dinosaur fossils. A hadrosaur-type fossil found along the Heilongjiang River in 1902 was later named Manchurosaurus, known as China’s “First Dragon.” The Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark centers on the Dragon Bone Hill fossil site and includes a dinosaur museum that displays Late Cretaceous skeletons, active excavation sites and Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary strata. It is well suited for family science outings. The original Manchurosaurus specimen is now displayed at the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum in Harbin. Jiayin is about 250 km from Yichun city and can be combined with Maolan Gou and the Jiayin riverside. The geopark lies about 9 km west of Jiayin town on the right bank of the Heilongjiang River and includes the Shenzhou Dinosaur Museum and fossil excavation sections. Peak-season tickets are about RMB 60 (subject to the official announcement). The coordinates given are approximate.
Opening hours
Approx. May–Oct; per park announcements
Nearby sights
- Heilongjiang Border River Cruise
- Jiayin Port Riverside
- Maolangou National Forest Park
- Wuyun Town Riverside