Exposition showcases region’s natural treasures

The annual Guizhou International Stone Exposition held in Anshun is both a stage for businesspeople and investors and a gala that will draw fans of precious and unusual stones and rocks including fossils, gems, mineral crystals and other ornamental stones.

Enthusiasts planning to visit this year’s expo, which will take place from Aug 26 to 29, are recommended to visit the Singe Stone Expo Garden in Anshun Economic and Technological Development Zone, which is the largest exhibition venue in China for precious and unusual stones.

The garden was established in 2004, with a total investment of 3 billion yuan ($451 million). With a floor space of nearly 40,000 square meters, the facility has 28 exhibition halls that house about 40,000 collections.

The facility consists of a museum for paleontological fossils and 10 exhibition halls.

Exhibits in the fossil museum include fossils of ancient fish, dinosaurs and other ancient organisms. Perhaps the most eye-catching item on display is the “New China Dragon”, a 17-meter-long dinosaur fossil discovered in Guanling county. It was so named because it resembles the legendary Chinese animal.

A number of locally produced precious stones are displayed in the 10 exhibitions halls, with those produced in Machang township, Puding county, featuring a great variety of colors and patterns.

PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Robe of the God of Longevity: The stone has several colors, resembling a robe that is worn by the god according to legends.

New China Dragon: It is unearthed in Guanling county and is said to be the fossil of an ancient marine reptile that lived around 220 million years ago.

Flying Red Flag: The upper portion of the stone is reminisent of the color of the national flag. This is a “national red” stone that is native to Machang township.

Flying Chang’e: The stone discoverd in Machang township is so named as its grains resemble a fairy from Chinese legend.