The Oldest Short-Tailed Bird Fossil Discovered - China

The Oldest Short-Tailed Bird Fossil Discovered - China

Chen Runsheng, a professor-level senior engineer of Fujian Institute of Geological Survey (FIGS), explains on a restored image of the fossilized bird Baminornis zhenghensis at the FIGS in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, on February 11, 2025. Chinese scientists have unearthed the oldest short-tailed bird fossil, dating back about 150 million years, in east China's Fujian Province. This suggests that birds might have originated earlier than previously thought. The fossilized bird Baminornis zhenghensis was discovered in Zhenghe County, Fujian Province. Its short tail ends in a compound bone called the pygostyle, a feature uniquely present in modern birds. This indicates that the body structure of modern birds emerged in the Late Jurassic Period, 20 million years earlier than previously known. The study, conducted by researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) and the FIGS, was published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, on February 11, 2025,in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

Immersive Interactive Exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beiji

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 5, 2024 - Visitors wear MR Glasses during an immersive interactive exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, December 5, 2024.

Ten years on, logging ban in Khingan Mountains in NE China revives natural forests

STORY: Ten years on, logging ban in Khingan Mountains in NE China revives natural forests SHOOTING TIME: March 20, 2024/File DATELINE: March 31, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Khingan Mountains 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): QI YONGGANG, Person in charge of fire prevention in a forest farm in Mohe City 3. various of the Khingan Mountains 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHI RUIJUAN, Villager in Beiji Village, Mohe City 5. various of the tourism industry in the Khingan Mountains 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): WANG FUSHENG, Employee, Greater Khingan Forest Industry Group 7. various of agricultural products 8. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): HE XIYAN, Employee, Greater Khingan Forest Industry Group STORYLINE: China's ban on commercial logging in the Khingan Mountains has helped the red pine forest revive its former glory over the past decade. China is home to about 60 percent of the world's red pine trees, with more than half of them scattered in the Lesser Khingan Mo

Xinhua Headlines: Logging ban sparks nature's rebirth in China's Khingan Mountains

Xinhua Headlines: Logging ban sparks nature's rebirth in China's Khingan Mountains

(240331) -- HARBIN, March 31, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A bed-and-breakfast owner poses for photos in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

(231227) -- BEIJING, Dec. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Dec. 24, 2023 shows a work place of Mohe forestry station in Beiji Town of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. In Mohe, the northernmost city of China, workers from all walks of life are faced with extremely cold climate in winter. People of different professions stick to their posts here despite harsh winter weather to protect the environment and safeguard life of local residents and tourists. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

(231226) -- MOHE, Dec. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Staff members warm themselves during a break at a work place of Mohe forestry station in Beiji Town of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 24, 2023. In Mohe, the northernmost city of China, workers from all walks of life are faced with extremely cold climate in winter. People of different professions stick to their posts here despite harsh winter weather to protect the environment and safeguard life of local residents and tourists. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

(231226) -- MOHE, Dec. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Dec. 24, 2023 shows a work place of Mohe forestry station in Beiji Town of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. In Mohe, the northernmost city of China, workers from all walks of life are faced with extremely cold climate in winter. People of different professions stick to their posts here despite harsh winter weather to protect the environment and safeguard life of local residents and tourists. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-MOHE-DAILY LIFE (CN)

(231226) -- MOHE, Dec. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Director Lyu Jiansheng (R) and his colleague Wang Shaoting, staff members of a local power supply station, inspect power supply devices in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 23, 2023. In Mohe, the northernmost city of China, workers from all walks of life are faced with extremely cold climate in winter. People of different professions stick to their posts here despite harsh winter weather to protect the environment and safeguard life of local residents and tourists. (Xinhua/Xu Kaixin)

CHINA-LOW TEMPERATURES-COUNTERMEASURES (CN)

CHINA-LOW TEMPERATURES-COUNTERMEASURES (CN)

(231223) -- BEIJING, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Dec. 23, 2023 shows operation and maintenance personnel checking the safety of electricity wires in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Countermeasures have been taken to prevent or alleviate impacts inflicted by extensive snowfall and other freezing conditions. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A visitor selects cultural and creative products in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Xu Kaixin)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors sing songs in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 20, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Xu Kaixin)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors play a "water to ice" game by splashing water into the cold air in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Dec. 20, 2023 shows a view of an ice and snow park in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors pose for a group photo in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A visitor visits a photography exhibition at a square in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A visitor takes photos of a reindeer in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors take photos in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Xu Kaixin)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A vehicle undergoes a cold resistance test in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Jin Di)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors have fun at a square in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A visitor poses for a photo in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Jin Di)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-WINTER TOURISM (CN)

(231223) -- MOHE, Dec. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Visitors experience motorcycle riding on snow in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 22, 2023. Known as China's "North Pole," Mohe has developed a variety of winter tourism programs in recent years, attracting tourists to experience an "extremely cold journey." (Xinhua/Jin Di)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-COLD WAVE (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-COLD WAVE (CN)

(231123) -- HARBIN, Nov. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visit Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Nov. 23, 2023. China's meteorological authorities on Thursday renewed a yellow alert for cold waves. From 8 a.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Saturday, temperatures in parts of Heilongjiang and Liaoning could decline by over 18 degrees Celsius. On Friday morning, some areas in Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang could see minimum temperatures plunge to lower than minus 30 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Qiu Mingxu/Xinhua)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-COLD WAVE (CN)

CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-COLD WAVE (CN)

(231123) -- HARBIN, Nov. 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Tourists pose for photos in Beiji Village of Mohe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Nov. 23, 2023. China's meteorological authorities on Thursday renewed a yellow alert for cold waves. From 8 a.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Saturday, temperatures in parts of Heilongjiang and Liaoning could decline by over 18 degrees Celsius. On Friday morning, some areas in Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang could see minimum temperatures plunge to lower than minus 30 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Qiu Mingxu/Xinhua)