The holotype specimen of Xingtianosaurus ganqi, IVPP V13390, was recovered in the Dakangpu Beds of the Yixian Formation in Liaoning Province, China. The name Xingtianosaurus refers to Xingtian, a Chinese deity who continued to fight after being decapitated. This name references the skull-less holotype. The epithet ganqi refers to the weapon, a battle axe, that Xingtian wielded.
