Jiufotang Formation

Jiufotang Formation Stratigraphic range: Aptian
Type	Geological formation
Unit of	Jehol Group
Sub-units	Shangheshou Bed, Meileyingzi Bed
Underlies	Fuxin Formation
Overlies	Yixian Formation
Location
Region	Liaoning
Country	China

The Jiufotang Formation (Chinese: 九佛堂组, pinyin: jiǔfótáng zǔ) is an Early Cretaceous geological formation in Chaoyang, Liaoning which has yielded fossils of feathered dinosaurs, primitive birds, pterosaurs, and other organisms (see Jehol Biota). It is a member of the Jehol group. The exact age of the Jiufotang has been debated for years, with estimates ranging from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. He et al. (2004) used argon - isotope radiometry to confirm biostratigraphic age estimates. They confirmed an Early Cretaceous, Aptian age for the Jiufotang Formation, 120.3 +/-0.7 million years ago. Fossils of Microraptor and Jeholornis are from the Jiufotang.