Zhoukoudian

Zhoukoudian Town (Chinese: 周口店镇; pinyin: Zhōukǒudiàn Zhèn) is a town located on the eastern side of Fangshan District in Beijing, China. It is surrounded by several other townships and subdistricts, including Nanjiao and Fozizhuang to the north, Xiangyang, Chengguan, and Yingfeng Subdistricts to the east, Shilou and Hancunhe to the south, and Xiayunling to the west.

In the 2020 census, the town had a population of 41,868 people. This area is well-known for its rich history and archaeological importance, making it a place of great interest for scientists and historians.

History

Zhoukoudian Town is located in the Fangshan District of Beijing, China. It is surrounded by several other townships and towns, including Nanjiao, Fozizhuang, Xiangyang, Chengguan, Yingfeng, Shilou, Hancunhe, and Xiayunling. In the 2020 census, the town had a population of 41,868 people.

Administrative divisions

In 2021, Zhoukoudian Area was made up of 29 smaller parts. Five of these were called communities, and the other twenty-four were called villages.

Geography and Climate

Zhoukoudian Town is located in the mountainous western part of Fangshan District, about 50 kilometers southwest of central Beijing. The town covers an area of 121.2 square kilometers, featuring limestone hills and caves that have been important for studying ancient fossils. The landscape changes from rolling hills in the north to steeper mountains in the south, with heights ranging from 80 to 400 meters above sea level.

The area has a continental monsoon climate with four clear seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F) in July and August. Winters are cold and dry, with January temperatures averaging -4 to -6°C (21-25°F). The town receives about 600-650 millimeters of rain each year, most of it during the summer months between June and August. The limestone geology has formed many caves and sinkholes, which have helped protect important ancient remains.

Landmark

Zhoukoudian is home to an important historical site known as the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site. This place has great significance in understanding early human history. Researchers have discovered valuable information here about ancient humans and their way of life.