Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site

Excavations at Zhoukoudian from 1921 uncovered fossils of Homo erectus from about 45 individuals, along with stone tools and evidence interpreted as the use of fire; the proposed dates differ widely, from as much as 700,000 to 200,000 years ago, or no earlier than 530,000 years ago. The finds were called Peking Man, and their study reshaped understanding of human evolution in Asia. The original fossils vanished in 1941 while being moved for safekeeping and have never been found, so what survives are casts, later finds and the site itself, which was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1987. A museum interprets the excavation and the caves are viewed on marked paths.

What to look for

• The excavation caves - the limestone fissures where the fossils were found.
• The museum - casts, tools and the story of the excavations and the lost fossils.
• The site paths - marked routes around the hillside dig areas.
• The scientific history - the 1920s and 1930s work that defined Peking Man.

When to go

April to May and September to October for comfortable weather; the site is largely outdoors and exposed. It is quiet on weekdays. The museum keeps standard hours and closes on Mondays.

What to expect

The original fossils are lost and only casts are displayed, which disappoints some visitors. The caves themselves are excavated voids rather than dramatic caverns. English interpretation is limited and the site is a long way from central Beijing.

Nearby

Shidu lies further southwest; central Beijing is northeast.

Key facts