Walk among fossils that rewrote the story of dinosaurs
The Chaoyang Bird Fossil National Geopark sits on ground that holds some of the most significant discoveries of the past thirty years. In the 1990s, excavations here uncovered feathered dinosaurs and some of the earliest examples of birds—specimens that fundamentally changed how scientists understand the connection between dinosaurs and modern birds. You're not just looking at old bones behind glass; you're standing in the place where those revelations emerged from the earth.
The park reopened in April 2025 after a major upgrade, so the exhibition spaces are fresh. Plan for a full visit: the fossil displays trace evolution across millions of years, and the setting on Longniao Street in Longcheng District gives you a sense of scale—this wasn't a small dig site, but a landscape where layer after layer yielded finds. Morning visits tend to be quieter. You can purchase tickets through the official WeChat account, which is convenient if you're traveling with a phone that works on local networks.
- Open 09:00–17:00 in summer, 09:00–16:00 in winter; last entry 30 minutes before closing
- Standard admission ¥85; ¥43 for full-time students and visitors aged 60–69; free for children under 1.3 meters and visitors aged 70 and over
- Reached by bus no. 15 to 100 Longniao Street, Longcheng District
Experience the Dalinghe River's water and landscape
The Dalinghe National Water Park and Scenic Area offers a shift in pace—water, air, and open space after the intensity of the fossil park. The river cuts through the region, and the scenic area preserves both the practical hydrology and the natural beauty that draws locals and visitors to its banks. Whether you're interested in the engineering that manages the waterway or simply want a quieter afternoon away from the city's bustle, this is where Chaoyang's landscape reveals itself beyond the museum walls.
Now that you know where to focus your time, start planning your trip. The fossil park alone justifies a visit; pair it with the river scenery and you have a day that moves between intellectual discovery and natural calm.