Some startling discoveries of human remains were found in a small village named Zhoukoudian, situated some 50 km away from Beijing. These discoveries were made in the year 1921, 1923 and 1927. The early findings were made in the form of three human teeth, which became the cause of interest to investigate in detail. The investigation finally led to the discovery of a complete skullcap on December 2nd 1929. This proved the existence of human species between 700,000 and 200,000 years ago.

Later on even other discoveries of skeletal remains were made. This makes it easy to infer what became known to the World as Peking Man or Sinanthropus Pekinensis. Peking Man is virtually identical to modern man with the only difference being the shape and construction of the skull. The Peking Man skull has a low forehead with a protruding eyebrow with large and powerful jaw. The teeth are large and distinctly human.

Femurs found when measured shows that the average height of a male was around 156 cm and a female 144 cm. The life span of Peking Man was short. It is inferred that 68.9% of people died before the age of 14 years while only 4.5% lived to the age of 50 years.

Finding show that these people used fire for cooking food, for light, for warmth and protection from wild beasts.

Unfortunately during Japan's invasion on China in 1937 these excavation at the Peking Man site were suspended. But, with the formation of People's Republic of China the work has been renewed. Presently, findings show six intact skulls, parts of ten arm and other bones, twelve broken facial bones, fifteen lower mandibles and 157 teeth.

The admission fee charged for Peking Man Site is 20 CNY. The Site opens daily from 8:30 in the morning to 4:20 in the evening. One hour is enough time to visit and have a detailed view of the Peking Man Site. Keep surfing AsiaRooms for more details on Peking Man Site and other attractions in Beijing.