Chengjiang Fossil Site, UNESCO World Heritage fossil site in Chengjiang City, China.
The Chengjiang Fossil Site is a deposit containing numerous marine animal remains preserved in sedimentary rock, showing the earliest known assemblage of complex creatures. The fossils occur in a specific geological layer from about 518 million years ago and span several hundred species.
The site was discovered in 1984 and revealed a surprisingly diverse array of life from the earliest phase of animal evolution. This discovery changed how scientists understand how rapidly and extensively complex organisms developed.
The site draws researchers from around the world who collaborate here to study the earliest forms of complex life and share their discoveries. Its meaning lies in how it shapes our understanding of how diverse animal species originated.
The location is near Maotianshan, where information panels explain the ancient marine deposits and help orient visitors to the area. Traveling from Kunming is possible and the site is accessible by local transport or guided tours.
Some fossils contain preserved soft body parts and even internal organs, which rarely happens in such ancient discoveries. This unusual feature provides exceptionally detailed insight into how early animals were constructed.
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