A large layer of fish fossils, dating back to more than 70 million years ago, has been found at a scenic spot in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local government said Friday.

The fish fossils, 15 to 30 cms each in length, are beset thickly in the terrane covering an estimated area of one square kilometer in a bamboo forest park in Jiang'an County, according to the park's administration.

"The discovery is of great importance for the study of the fish evolution and the ancient geomorphological structure in this area," said geologists from the Sichuan University.

The fossils were in such a good condition as to tell the scales of the fish clearly, said a geologist.

The administration of the park plans to build an exhibition hall to protect the rare fossils, according to local government.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2006)