Located in Danshui Town, Xixia County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, Xixia Dinosaur Relics Park is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO Global Geopark. Covering 15 square kilometers, it's the world's only theme park primarily displaying dinosaur egg fossils, featuring a Dinosaur Egg Fossil Museum, excavation site pavilions, dinosaur halls, and animatronic dinosaur exhibits. With over 100,000 dinosaur egg fossils discovered (8 families, 12 genera, 25 species), it holds the world's largest and best-preserved collection, hailed as "The Ninth Wonder of the World."
History and Culture
Discovered in 1993, these Late Cretaceous fossils (90-65 million years old) filled crucial gaps in dinosaur extinction research, ranking among 1993's Top 10 Science News worldwide.
Designated a national nature reserve in 2003 and part of the Funiu Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark in 2006, it became a AAAAA site in 2014. The fossils' quantity, variety, distribution, and preservation provide invaluable resources for studying dinosaur extinction and environmental changes.
Main Attractions
Dinosaur Egg Fossil Museum
Shaped like a giant dinosaur egg, this museum displays 2,000+ fossils including rare "egg nests," using multimedia to recreate dinosaur-era ecosystems.
Excavation Site Pavilions
On-site protective structures preserve fossils in original positions, showcasing dense clusters ("nests") - the largest containing 36 eggs.
Dinosaur Hall
Exhibits 20+ dinosaur skeletons and reconstructions, including the 38m-long "Xixia Titan" and fierce "Xixia Tyrant," systematically presenting dinosaur evolution.
Animatronic Dinosaur Park
This 30,000㎡ outdoor area features 50+ life-size robotic dinosaurs that roar and move, recreating the Cretaceous world.
4D Theater
Advanced 4D films like "Dinosaur Extinction" with motion, water, and wind effects offer immersive prehistoric experiences.
Cuisine
Xixia Mushrooms
As China's "Mushroom Town," Xixia restaurants serve delicious dishes like mushroom chicken stew and fried mushrooms.
Danjiang Fish Banquet
Wild fish from nearby Danjiangkou Reservoir, especially the famed "Danjiang Fish Head" soup, known for tender meat and rich flavor.
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Local wild mushrooms and edible plants like fiddleheads prepared cold, stir-fried, or as fillings with unique flavors.
Local Delicacies
Xixia County (20-minute drive) offers Henan specialties like stewed noodles, spicy soup, and mutton soup.
Ticket Information
Admission: 90 yuan (peak season April 1-October 31), 60 yuan (off-season). 4D theater 30 yuan extra. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.2m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 8:00-17:30 (peak season), 8:30-17:00 (off-season). Allow 2-3 hours (half-day recommended).
Recommended Tour Route
Main entrance → Dinosaur Egg Museum → Excavation Sites → Dinosaur Hall → Animatronic Park → 4D Theater → Gift Shop → Exit. Clear signage throughout.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Zheng-Luan Expressway to Xixia exit, then 15km on G311 highway
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Nanyang Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Nanyang East Station, then transfer to park shuttle (~1.5 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Nanyang Jiangying (~2 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Dinosaur Egg Museum: Rare egg nest fossils
- Excavation Sites: Original fossil positions
- Dinosaur Hall: Evolution exhibits & giant skeletons
- Animatronic Park: "Living" dinosaur encounters
- 4D Theater: Immersive prehistoric experience
Travel Tips
- Start with museums for background knowledge
- Bring cameras for numerous photo opportunities
- On-site restaurants available (or bring snacks)
- Visit mornings to avoid weekend/holiday crowds
- Combine with nearby Longtangou/Laojieling for 2-day trip
- Combo tickets offer discounts
Precautions
- Do not touch exhibits/fossils
- Maintain quiet in exhibition halls
- Supervise children (no climbing barriers)
- Stay in designated areas
- No littering
- Contact staff for emergencies