Deep within a cave system nestled 42 km southwest of Beijing lies Zhoukoudian. This remarkable site whispers tales of a distant past, a time when Peking Man, our Homo erectus ancestor, roamed these lands. Zhoukoudian is not just a collection of caves. It’s a time capsule preserving the echoes of early humans who lived here between 700,000 and 200,000 years ago. The discovery of Zhoukoudian began in the early 20th century with the search for “dragon bones”. These bones, used in traditional medicine, led to the unearthing of something far more significant: the remains of Peking Man. Excavations at Zhoukoudian revealed not just skeletal remains. They also unearthed a treasure trove of stone tools, from scrapers and choppers to hand axes. This revealed the ingenuity of Peking Man and their ability to craft tools for various purposes. Zhoukoudian’s significance in understanding human evolution is undeniable. It offers a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, their skills, and their environment. The site also houses the remains of archaic Homo sapiens and Homo sapiens sapiens, demonstrating a continuous human presence at Zhoukoudian spanning millennia. Sadly, many of the most complete Peking Man fossils were lost during World War II in a failed attempt to protect them. Despite this loss, Zhoukoudian remains a vital piece of our human story. It stands as a testament to our ancient past, a place where the whispers of prehistory can still be heard.
北京邮电大学（宏福校区）
The university actively promotes scientific research. It has established several high-level research bases. These include national key laboratories and engineering