Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site Museum

Introducing Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site Museum

The Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site Museum, located in Zhoukoudian Town, southwest of Fangshan District, is a scenic area built around the site, featuring a museum, a site park, and natural scenery. Unearthed are six Peking Man skulls, 12 skull fragments, 15 mandibles, 157 teeth, and broken femurs and tibias, belonging to over 40 individuals of different sexes and ages. Also discovered are 100,000 stone tools, as well as ash remains from fires, burned stones, and burned bones. Peking Man was also one of the earliest ancient humans to use fire and was capable of hunting large animals.

The museum is divided into two main sections. Inside, visitors can learn about the life and development of Peking Man through text, images, fossils, bones, and artifacts excavated from numerous sites. There are also films and interactive games, allowing visitors to explore each area. The other section is the Ruins Park. Behind the museum, visitors can see some cave ruins and observe the primitive living environment from the cave entrances. The scenery is also beautiful, with small canyons, waterfalls, and a mountaintop observation deck.

Climate and best time to travel

North temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours

Tickets

Museum 30 yuan, Ruins Park 30 yuan

Attraction opening hours

April 1st - October 31st: 9:00-16:30;

November 1st - March 31st: 9:00-16:00;

Closed on Mondays (excluding national holidays)

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Most Popular FAQs for Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds the remains of Peking Man, an early human ancestor dating back about 700,000 years. The site is crucial for understanding human evolution and prehistoric life in China.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The site is located in Zhoukoudian, Fangshan District, about 50 km southwest of central Beijing. You can reach it by taking a bus from the Beijing South Railway Station or by taxi. The nearest metro station is the Yizhuang Line's Dabaotai Station, from which a taxi or bus can take you to the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning, as weekends can be crowded with tourists.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is around 40 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket counter on-site. Online booking is not typically required, but you can check their official website for any updates on ticket availability.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. You can purchase tickets directly on the day of your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need around 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum, the excavation site, and to enjoy the exhibits. Allow extra time if you plan to read all the historical and archaeological information in detail.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the Peking Man fossils, the replica of the excavation site, and the detailed exhibits about early human life. The museum's outdoor area with reconstructed prehistoric habitats is also fascinating.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese, but English-speaking guides may be limited. Audio guides are also available in several languages, including English, for a more self-paced tour.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are around the excavation site, where you can capture the natural landscape combined with the ancient artifacts and fossils. The museum also offers great indoor exhibits for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the outdoor excavation site, then head into the museum to explore the exhibits about the Peking Man discovery. Don’t miss the area dedicated to the artifacts found in the site, and finish with a visit to the fossil replica section for a comprehensive experience.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows available. The museum closes by 5:00 PM, so plan your visit during daylight hours. Special tours may be available by prior arrangement.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has toilets, a small gift shop, and water fountains. There is a café where you can buy refreshments. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax after touring the museum.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, the terrain around the outdoor excavation site may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The museum itself is wheelchair accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely available. Credit cards may not be accepted at the ticket counter, so it’s best to use mobile payment or cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There is a small café inside the museum for refreshments. Nearby, there are a few local Chinese restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Beijing dishes such as Peking duck and dumplings.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some nearby restaurants, but halal food options are limited in the area. It’s recommended to check the restaurant menus before visiting.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are few hotels directly near the site, but you can stay in Beijing’s city center and take a day trip to Zhoukoudian. Popular hotels like the "Zhoukoudian Hotel" are located closer to the site, offering basic accommodations.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Badaling Great Wall and the Ming Tombs. Both are easily accessible from Zhoukoudian and can be visited as part of a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The museum has a small gift shop selling educational materials, replicas of fossils, and other Peking Man-themed souvenirs. You can also find traditional Chinese souvenirs like tea sets and local crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your visit, you can take a taxi or bus back to the nearest metro station. If you’re heading to other attractions, such as the Great Wall, a taxi or tour group transportation is the most convenient option.