On October 23, 2024, Hong Kong's Development Bureau announced the historic discovery of dinosaur fossils on Port Island (Chek Chau), marking the first such find in the region. The fossils, estimated to date back to the Cretaceous period (approximately 145 million to 66 million years ago), were confirmed as belonging to a large, aged dinosaur, possibly a Sauropod or Ornithischian species. (Image Source: ISD)

The confirmation of 30 fossil-bearing rocks was reiterated in reports on December 11, 2024, when Port Island was announced to reopen to the public after the excavation was completed. While the exact number of dinosaur fossils can only be confirmed after the fossil preparation is completed, experts have confirmed that all exposed fossils have been removed from the site. The fossils are believed to belong to a large, aged dinosaur, with further research ongoing to determine the species and explore the paleoecology of Hong Kong. (Image Source: ISD)

The dinosaur fossils discovered on Port Island are now on display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre's "Dinosaur Parlour"in Kowloon Park. This exhibition, which began on October 25, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view the first dinosaur fossils found in Hong Kong. The fossils, estimated to belong to a large, aged dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, are part of a broader display that includes other fossils such as ammonite and brachiopod fossils.

Starting from December 20, 2024, the "Dinosaur Parlour" has been enhanced with a new setup, allowing visitors to observe experts preparing fossils in a dedicated preparation zone while viewing the exhibits in a separate display area. (Image Source: ISD)

The Dinosaur Parlour is located in the courtyard of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre within Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Click the button to check details on how you can get there (Image Source: DEVB)

Port Island reopened to the public on December 12, 2024. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are recommended to join guided tours. This is due to the lack of facilities on the island, and guided tours provide better arrangements for exploring the area, ensuring that you can fully appreciate the geological and historical significance of Port Island while maintaining safety.

Following the announcement on October 23, 2024, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) immediately sealed off Port Island to facilitate further excavation and research by experts from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This closure allowed for the thorough excavation of dinosaur fossils, which were later confirmed to belong to a large, aged dinosaur from the Cretaceous period. (Image Source: AFCD)

The excavation work on Port Island reveals geologists carefully working on the reddish-brown sedimentary rocks, aiming to unearth dinosaur fossils. Dressed in safety gear like hard hats and vests, one geologist delicately brushes away sediment, while others closely examine potential fossil fragments. The backdrop of the rugged coastline emphasizes the island's unique geological context, blending science and natural beauty.