Two well-preserved dinosaur fossils unearthed in north China's Hebei Province

According to local authorities, two well-preserved dinosaur fossils dating back approximately 130 million years were recently unearthed in north China's Hebei Province. Both of the discoveries were herbivorous dinosaurs. Measuring about 5 meters in length, the stegosaurus fossil is nearly complete at the Fengning fossil conservation research center.

It includes four tail bone spurs that are highly recognizable and its skeleton is accompanied by intact fossilized skin. The pattern of the skin, similar to what can be seen on snakes or lizards today, is incredibly distinct and clear.

The nearly complete skin will provide key evidence to reveal the body surface characteristics, physiology and habits of stegosaurus dinosaurs, said Pei Rui, associate researcher at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.