Weifang Elephant Fossil Exhibition opens to public

The "Prosperous Times and Good Fortune – The Weifang Elephant Fossil Exhibition" started at the Weifang Museum on Dec 28. After 45 years since it was unearthed, the Weifang Elephant has reemerged, drawing significant attention.

A majestic restored model of the Weifang Elephant towers at 4.8 meters high, 8.5 meters long, and 2.2 meters wide, with tusks stretching 3.7 meters. The model evokes the presence of an ancient messenger, sharing the long-forgotten "Weifang story".

Restored model of the Weifang Elephant. [Photo/cctvnews]

The exhibition on 64 prehistoric fossils uses actual fossils, restored models, multimedia displays, and more to recreate the Weifang Elephant's size, lifestyle, and environment. A special interactive multimedia area allows visitors to engage through virtual reality.

Visitors are captivated by the Weifang Elephant Fossil Exhibition. [Photo/cctvnews]

The Weifang Museum has stated its commitment to protect, research, and promote the Weifang Elephant fossils, strengthening the city’s cultural influence and reinforcing its cultural confidence.

The Weifang Elephant was discovered in March 1979 at Wujia village, Weifang, and transported back to the city in 1986. Dating back 200,000 years, the elephant lived in a cool forest-grassland environment and was about 18 years old at its death. As the tallest and largest elephant in the world, it played a key role in mammoth evolution and has become an iconic symbol of Weifang.

Visitors are captivated by the Weifang Elephant Fossil Exhibition. [Photo/cctvnews]

The Weifang Elephant fossils and regional dinosaur discoveries highlight the area's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Though the fossils were not readily available for viewing for over forty years, recent academic seminars and restoration efforts have now bridged this historical gap.

In Chinese culture, the elephant symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. The Weifang Elephant exhibition uses this symbol to reflect the city's cultural confidence and spirit, reintroducing it as a powerful emblem of Weifang's identity and strength.