Does Peking Man ring a bell? If it does, then you will surely find this spot enticing. Zhoukoudian or Choukoutien is a system of caves in Beijing where various archaeological discoveries, including the famous Peking Man were found. Having lived in the area about 200,000 to 750,000 years ago, it was one of the first specimens of Homo erectus, the oldest species of human beings.
Since this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws many tourists who are staying in various Beijing hotels. Due to its notability, it has been included in the itineraries of these hotels. However, you can also inquire from different hotels in Beijing to suit the trip depending on your needs.
A Swedish geologist named Johan Gunnar Andersson together with an American paleontologist Walter W. Granger were led to an area called Dragon Bone Hill by local quarry men in 1921. There, Johan immediately realized that this is a good spot to look for human remains.
Since 1926, the cave was constantly excavated, uncovering about 200 human fossils from forty individuals identified as Homo erectus. In addition, more than 10,000 pieces of stoneware, cinder layers and animal fossils from 200 various varieties were found. Zhoukoudian was considered as one of the most important sites which yielded evidences from the Middle Pleistocene Era.
At present, an exhibition hall with seven rooms is located at Zhoukoudian's Dragon Bone Hill. The fossil remains of the Peking man and his external appearance, stone tools, general living conditions and evidence of his use of fire are shown in the first room. We recommended that you book your tickets in advance or visit any of the Beijing hotels where you can be assisted with your touring needs.
The second room demonstrates Hilltop Cavemen and animal fossils, bone needles, decorative objects and stone tools.
The third room displays fossils of men discovered in various parts of the country like the Hetao and Dingcun Dingcun Man and other fossil copies of the ancient jungle ape, Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon Man that give us an general appreciation of years of human evolution.
The geological history of the dwelling of the Peking Man and the human and animal evolution through different geological periods are introduced in the fourth room.
The fifth and sixth rooms exhibit fossils of vertebrates and fishes discovered in other locations around Zhoukoudian.
The final room contains the fossils of some of the animals hunted by Peking man. It was known that the tiger and bear were considered his enemies. Elephant and rhinoceros fossils were also discovered at the site, giving us a clue of the changing climate before.
Visiting this place will give you a glimpse on how humans have evolved throughout the years. To better enjoy your tours, we encourage you to take a break in one of the magnificent rooms of Beijing hotels where you can savor the delight that the city has to offer. - 33385
Since this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws many tourists who are staying in various Beijing hotels. Due to its notability, it has been included in the itineraries of these hotels. However, you can also inquire from different hotels in Beijing to suit the trip depending on your needs.
A Swedish geologist named Johan Gunnar Andersson together with an American paleontologist Walter W. Granger were led to an area called Dragon Bone Hill by local quarry men in 1921. There, Johan immediately realized that this is a good spot to look for human remains.
Since 1926, the cave was constantly excavated, uncovering about 200 human fossils from forty individuals identified as Homo erectus. In addition, more than 10,000 pieces of stoneware, cinder layers and animal fossils from 200 various varieties were found. Zhoukoudian was considered as one of the most important sites which yielded evidences from the Middle Pleistocene Era.
At present, an exhibition hall with seven rooms is located at Zhoukoudian's Dragon Bone Hill. The fossil remains of the Peking man and his external appearance, stone tools, general living conditions and evidence of his use of fire are shown in the first room. We recommended that you book your tickets in advance or visit any of the Beijing hotels where you can be assisted with your touring needs.
The second room demonstrates Hilltop Cavemen and animal fossils, bone needles, decorative objects and stone tools.
The third room displays fossils of men discovered in various parts of the country like the Hetao and Dingcun Dingcun Man and other fossil copies of the ancient jungle ape, Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon Man that give us an general appreciation of years of human evolution.
The geological history of the dwelling of the Peking Man and the human and animal evolution through different geological periods are introduced in the fourth room.
The fifth and sixth rooms exhibit fossils of vertebrates and fishes discovered in other locations around Zhoukoudian.
The final room contains the fossils of some of the animals hunted by Peking man. It was known that the tiger and bear were considered his enemies. Elephant and rhinoceros fossils were also discovered at the site, giving us a clue of the changing climate before.
Visiting this place will give you a glimpse on how humans have evolved throughout the years. To better enjoy your tours, we encourage you to take a break in one of the magnificent rooms of Beijing hotels where you can savor the delight that the city has to offer. - 33385
About the Author:
Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Xijiao Beijing Hotel and other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Xijiao Beijing Hotel here.
