|
Zhoukoudian is located at the foot of Western Hill, 50 kilometres southwest of Beijing (Peking). In the northwest, it is surrounded by rolling hill. In the southeast, the vast plain stretches for miles and the Zhoukou River meanders southward. Six hundred thousand years ago, here was the place in which our ancestor Peking Man lived, dwelt and multiplied.
The Cave of Dragon Bone Hill is situated at the northern slope of Dragon Bone Hill west of Zhoukoudian. This is one of the biggest among other caves. The skull fossil of Upper Cave Man-the descendants of Peking Man was excavated here. Compared With Peking Man, they had evolved a great deal. In 1973, at the southeastern corner of Dragon Bone Hill, a new discovery of the site of the ancient man was made again, scientist called it New Cave Man. The New Cave Man is the ancient man between Peking Man and Upper Cave Man.
The discovery of the site of ape-man at Zhoukoudian carries the history of civilization of Beijing forward from three thousand years to six hundred thousand years ago, and it has a great significance. The Chinese people are pround of this cradle of the ancient civilization.
|
