by Stefanina Hill

Created on: November 07, 2011

Zhoukoudian or Choukoutien is a village in the Fangshan District of Beijing, China. Located about fifty kilometres to the south-west of Beijing proper the caves of Zhoukoudian have become world famous as a site of archaeological and historical importance due to the discovery of fossilized remains of early human life dating back to around 700, 000 years ago.

In 1921 the Peking Man Site was discovered and subsequent excavations have unearthed a wealth of Homo erectus and Homo sapien remains. The discovery of the fossilised remains of Peking Man (or “the Chinese ape-man”) as well as evidence of primitive tools used by this human ancestor has contributed significantly to the evolutionary debate about the transition from ape to man.

The Peking Man World Heritage Site at Dragon Bone Hill has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Despite tens of thousands of finds being unearthed at the site a significant amount of these went missing in 1941 while being transported to the US. Fortunately Franz Weidenreich, a German anthropologist, had made casts of some of these important finds which would otherwise have been lost entirely.

Peking Man Museum, or Zhoukoudian Anthropological Museum, houses a large selection of archeological artifacts and remains found in the area. Inside the museum there are bones and skulls; both reproduction and original. Displays and sculptures illustrate how Peking Man lived, how these hominid ancestors utilised tools and possibly fire and how the excavations which unearthed these finds were undertaken. A selection of prehistoric animal remains which have also been found at the site are on display.

The Zhoukoudian caves which surround the museum are open to the public and provide a fascinating glimpse into the past ages of human life. The most famous cave is Peking Man Cave where the initial 1921 discovery was made. A scenic trail around the caves will take around an hour. The site is divided into localities based around the different stages of excavating the fossils.

The site is a two hour drive from Beijing if you choose to take a taxi. Alternatively take the 917 bus via Zhoukoudian Village from Tianqiao Station to the town of Fangshan. Once in Zouhoudian Lukou change to Bus 38 for Yuan Ren Yi (Peking Man Site). Rush hour in Beijing is from 7.30 to 9.30 and 16.30 to 19.30. Travelling to the site or returning during these time frames may significantly increase the duration of your trip.

The site is clearly sign posted in Chinese and English. Opening times are 8.30 am to 4.30pm and entrance costs CNY 30. Regular guided tours run in English, Japanese and Korean. There is a restaurant on site where reasonably priced meals and refreshment can be purchased.

Learn more about this author, Stefanina Hill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.