Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian in Beijing

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian in Beijing

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian is the cradle of Chinese civilization.Today, the remains and site provide a good opportunity for tourists to explore the primitive life of our human ancestors.

English Name: Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
Chinese name: 周口店北京人遗址
Admission Fee: RMB 30 for Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian; RMB 30 for the museum
Opening Hours: 8:30 - 16:30 (April 1 to October 31); 9:00 - 16:00 (November 1 to March 31)
Address: Zhoukoudian, Beijing

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Where is Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian lies about 42 km south-west of Beijing and is at the juncture of the North China Plain and the Yanshan Mountains. It was first excavated in 1927, in a cave on the Dragon Bone Hill at Zhoukoudian, southwest of Beijing.

Why is Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian So Special?

In 1929, skull fossils of the Peking Man were discovered, and provided concrete evidence for the existence of the primitive man in the Beijing area and marking a milestone in the history of paleoanthropology. Here is the cradle of Chinese civilization.Today, the remains and site provide a good opportunity for tourists to explore the primitive life of our human ancestors.

History of Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

The Peking Man Site was first discovered by Johan Gunnar Andersson in 1921 and was first excavated by Otto Zdansky in 1921 and 1923 unearthing two human teeth.These were later identified by Davidson Black as belonging to a previously unknown species and extensive excavations followed.

Main Attractions of Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

Peking Man

The average brain volume of Peking Man was 1,088 milliliter. And it is estimated that their average height reached 156 cm for males and 150 cm for females. They chose to stay here for adequate water supplies and natural limestone caves, which provided an optimal survival environment. Peking Man was among the first human beings to learn how to use fire, and could hunt large animals. Their average life expectancy was short.

Peking Man Museum

It is situated in the village of Zhoukoudian, “Zhoukoudian” being to “Choukoutien” as “Peking” is to “Beijing”, where the 1921 discovery of Peking Man. It was opened to the public in 2014. Upon entering, you will see a tall ‘Peking Man’ statue with prey on his shoulder and a stick in his right hand. Behind it is a long scroll painting that vividly shows the life of Peking Man.The museum also houses a 4D movie theater, where films about primitive life of our ancestors are shown.

Pigeon Hall

Pigeon Hall was named in honour of its frequent visitors. Excavations from 1930-31 unearthed numerous Peking Man bones, signs of fire use, and stone tools of quartz and green sandstone.

East Slope

Part of Peking Man Site this slope was excavated 1930–58 and again in 1978–79. Excavation have dug to a depth of 7m through Layers 3-6 and have unearthed stone tools, burned bones and ashes, and fossils of bird, reptile and mammal species.

Upper Cave Site

Situated on the upper part of Dragon Bone Hill this cave was discovered in 1930 and excavated from 1933–34. Excavations found evidence of human habitation in the cave dating back to 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. The cave was divided into an upper level living quarters and a lower level burial ground, while a small recess on the lower level acted as a natural animal trap. Also white powder sprinkled around the remains on the lower level indicates the inhabitants practiced burial rites.

How to Get to Peking Man Site?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Peking Man Site speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Independent Travel

Bus

Take Bus NO. 917 or 836 from Tianqiao Bus Station to Zhoukoucun Lukou, then transfer to Fangshan Bus No. 38 to Yuanren Yizhi.

You can also take Bus No. 616 at the south square of Beijing West Railway Station to Liangxiang Ximen, and then transfer to Fangshan Bus No. 38.

Useful Travel Tips

Opening Time

The museum is closed on Monday. 4D film in the museum is only available at 10:00 and 15:00. The duration is about ten minutes. Since July 15, 2016, the Apeman Cave, Upper Cave and Locality Four have been blocked and are expected to open in 2017.