Zhirendong, Cave archaeological site in Mulan Mountains, Guangxi, China
Zhirendong is a limestone cave in the Mulan Mountains situated about 179 meters (587 feet) above sea level. A tubular passage leads through to an open chamber near the Hejiang River, where excavations have revealed multiple archaeological layers.
Chinese paleontologists discovered human fossils at the site in 2007, including teeth and a jaw bone dating to roughly 110,000 years ago. The specimens display features intermediate between modern humans and earlier hominin species.
The excavated remains suggest early human habitation patterns, revealing a combination of ancient and modern anatomical features in the discovered specimens.
The site is located in mountainous terrain and requires sturdy footwear and decent physical fitness to reach. Be aware that the location is primarily dedicated to scientific research and may not be regularly open to casual visitors.
The cave held remains of roughly 25 extinct animal species, including orangutans, Asian elephants, and leopards. This diverse fauna reveals that the region once had a completely different forest and climate type from today.
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