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The International Academic Exchange on the Research, Protection, and Utilization of Paleontological Fossils in Zigong Concluded Successfully From November 28 to 29, 2025, the "International Academic Exchange on the Research, Protection, and Utilization of Paleontological Fossils in Zigong" was successfully held in Zigong, Sichuan Province. A delegation comprising geological and paleontological experts, as well as geopark managers from over ten countries including Russia, the United States, Thailand, and Romania, alongside domestic representatives from research institutions, museums, and geoparks, gathered in the "Hometown of Dinosaurs" for in-depth discussions on the protection and utilization of paleontological fossils. Zigong is renowned worldwide for its abundant dinosaur fossil resources, characterized by numerous, widely distributed burial sites, great diversity, excellent preservation, and continuous stratigraphic sequences. Since the first discovery in 1915, more than 200 paleontological fossil sites have been identified in the city, including over 180 dinosaur fossil sites. Research has led to the naming of 21 genera and 26 species of dinosaurs, accounting for approximately one-thirteenth of the dinosaur genera and species named in China to date. During the event, experts conducted field investigations at key geological heritage and fossil sites such as the Da'anzhai Limestone, the Lianggaoshan Petrified Wood, and the Dashanpu Dinosaur Fossil Quarry. The Lianggaoshan Petrified Wood, formed in the Middle Jurassic and remarkably well-preserved, provides valuable physical evidence for studying the paleoclimate, environment, and vegetation succession of the Sichuan Basin during that period. Wang Yongdong, a researcher at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted Zigong's significant achievements in the systematic research, scientific conservation, and integrated development of fossils, forming a exemplary "Zigong Model" that has gained high recognition from international peers. The Zigong Dinosaur Museum, as a world-class thematic dinosaur museum, serves as a crucial platform for research, exhibition, and public education. At the academic exchange meeting, experts from the Zigong Dinosaur Museum introduced the newly published academic work Dinosaur Fossils of the Sichuan Basin and shared the latest research findings on multituberculates from southern Sichuan. A book donation ceremony was also held. Thai scholar Nattinee Thongdee expressed her admiration for Zigong's urban environment and dinosaur culture, hoping to foster more international collaboration. Co-organized by several domestic research institutions and museums, this event injected new vitality into the protection and utilization of Zigong's paleontological fossil resources. It enhanced the international visibility and influence of the "Zigong Model" in integrating paleontology, geology, and cultural tourism, supporting Zigong's development as an international tourist city. Moving forward, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum will continue to explore new pathways for the synergistic development of geological heritage protection and cultural tourism.

"Paleontologists estimate that the lifespan of large dinosaurs ranged from 75 to 300 years. However, these estimates are based on what we already know about cold-blooded animals. If dinosaurs were warm-blooded, their lifespans would likely be shorter," writes Laura Mears. Most estimates suggest that long-lived dinosaurs lived at least 75 years, with some possibly reaching up to three centuries, though the exact age remains debated. Some also argue that dinosaurs were homeothermic, meaning their body temperature remained relatively constant. Additionally, the enormous size of some dinosaurs suggests that if they were warm-blooded, they might have risked overheating from the inside. This supports the idea that they were cold-blooded and had long lifespans. In contrast, Michael D'Emic, a paleontologist at Stony Brook University in New York, believes that dinosaurs were warm-blooded, similar to today’s mammals. Last year, some researchers proposed that dinosaurs were neither fully cold-blooded nor warm-blooded but somewhere in between. However, D'Emic disagrees with this view. He reached his conclusion by considering the weight and growth rates of dinosaurs as inferred from fossils to assess their metabolism.

Regarding dinosaurs, paleontologists still have many areas of uncertainty—but based on what is currently understood, studying and observing these creatures appears to be fascinating. Approximately 230 million to 66 million years ago, many species of dinosaurs roamed the Earth, boasting surprisingly long lifespans and remarkably fast running speeds. Here are some interesting facts about dinosaurs. Usain Bolt could outrun a Tyrannosaurus rex Computer simulations of a Tyrannosaurus rex's running speed show that its maximum speed was about 29 kilometers per hour. While this is not fast enough to catch a car, it is more than sufficient to chase down most humans. That is, unless you are an athlete like Usain Bolt, who can run at speeds of up to 44 kilometers per hour, you would likely be caught. But even Bolt would have to run for his life to escape a Dromiceiomimus, a dinosaur with a top speed of around 60 kilometers per hour.

Reporters learned on the 14th from the Chengdu International Railway Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone that while Sichuan Zigong's simulated dinosaur exports have historically relied on sea transport, the advantages of rail transport have become increasingly apparent since the pandemic. Recently, a batch of Zigong simulated dinosaurs was exported via the China-Europe freight train.       It is understood that Zigong, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Dinosaurs," is an important source of dinosaur fossils in China. Currently, 80% of the world's simulated dinosaurs are produced in China, and Zigong accounts for 70% of China's simulated dinosaur production. Half of the simulated dinosaurs in Europe come from Zigong.   "To go global, we must meet export requirements," said Liu Benyan, general manager of Chengdu Changjiu Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., which is responsible for exporting Zigong's simulated dinosaurs. Before entering the international market, customs inspectors conduct a "full body check" of the simulated dinosaurs according to inspection instructions, ensuring that every detail meets export requirements.   With the China-Europe freight train playing an increasingly important role in the national economy and society, Changjiu Supply Chain has also achieved significant development, leveraging the advantages of the China-Europe freight train. In August 2018, Chengdu Changjiu Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. settled in the port area. Over the past three years, the company has continuously expanded, growing from a few employees to nearly 50, and its total foreign trade import and export volume increased from 40 million yuan to 1.1 billion yuan in 2020.   "The development of an enterprise is closely related to the external environment and local policies," Liu Benyan said. "This year, our work will focus on cross-border e-commerce. In addition, we plan to develop some physical businesses for imported goods to achieve diversified growth."  She added that the company plans to reach a total foreign trade import and export volume of 1.3 billion yuan this year.

The large-scale "Dinosaurs in the Valley" exhibition, currently being held in Los Angeles County, features over 100 realistic dinosaur exhibits and is attracting many visitors. December 18, people visiting the large-scale realistic dinosaur exhibition in Los Angeles County, California, USA.  December 18, a child visiting the large-scale realistic dinosaur exhibition in Los Angeles County, California, USA.  December 18, a child visiting the large-scale realistic dinosaur exhibition in Los Angeles County, California, USA. 

A Tyrannosaurus Rex weighing 7,000 pounds (approximately 3,175 kilograms) has been unveiled at the Bronx Zoo in New York City.     According to American media reports, dozens of lifelike animatronic dinosaurs were unveiled at the Bronx Zoo in New York City on July 1st, transporting visitors into a real-life Jurassic Park.     These exhibits are life-sized, reaching up to 40 feet (approximately 12 meters) in height and 25 feet (approximately 7 meters) in length. The 7,000-pound (approximately 3,175 kg) Tyrannosaurus Rex is particularly eye-catching. The animatronic dinosaurs have a steel structure inside and are covered with rubber skin. Their heads, bodies, and tails can move, and they can open their mouths, blink, and emit various roars.