A members of a scientific expedition team checks a shell fossil at the ruin of ancient sea in Wuqia County, Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Kizilsu in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 25, 2024. An eight-day multidisciplinary scientific expedition was launched on Oct. 19 in Atux City in Xinjiang. During the expedition, researchers carried out investigations at ancient roads, historical sites and important geographical marks in Xinjiang's Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Kizilsu. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)