Baishiya Karst Cave, Paleontological cave in Xiahe County, China
Baishiya Karst Cave is a limestone cavern at the base of a white cliff face in Xiahe County with a wide natural entrance. The passage extends deep underground for over one kilometer, creating a substantial interior space for visitors to explore.
A meditating monk discovered the Xiahe mandible in the cave in 1980, a fossil bone that scientists dated to 160,000 years ago. This find transformed the site into an important location for understanding human evolution.
The cave sits beside Trakkar Gompa temple and serves as a sacred space where Buddhist monks meditate and pilgrims come to pray throughout the year.
The cave remains accessible year-round, though winter brings freezing temperatures deep underground. Bring warm clothing and prepare for low light and uneven ground throughout the interior passages.
DNA analysis revealed Denisovan genetic material in fossils from this site, showing that this extinct human species lived in this mountain region. This marked the first confirmed evidence of these ancient people outside their original discovery location.
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