Longtanshan Paleolithic Site of Kunmingese in Chenggong District, Kunming
Overview
The Longtanshan Paleolithic Site (龙潭山“昆明人”遗址) is located in Dengjia Village, Dayu Township, Chenggong District, Kunming City, approximately 1.2 kilometers southeast of the Yuejiao Community. The site spans 0.3 kilometers east to west and 0.4 kilometers north to south, at an elevation of 1,941 meters, consisting of three cave sites. Significant archaeological excavations began in 1973, leading to the discovery of various Paleolithic artifacts and fossils, including a complete human skull in 1976. These findings were collectively named “Kunming Man” (昆明人) in 1978 and represent one of the earliest human activities in the Dianchi area. In 1983, the site was designated as a cultural heritage site by the Kunming Municipal Government, and in 1987, it was recognized as a provincial heritage site.
Main Attractions
Located near the important transportation route of Kunluo Highway, Longtanshan is an isolated mountain characterized by geological faults. The area has diverse cave systems suitable for ancient human habitation. In April 1973, many mammal fossils were found, marking the beginning of archaeological exploration in the region. Key discoveries included ancient human skull fragments and teeth, leading to significant findings of early human fossils and tools.
Cultural Origins
The Longtanshan culture (龙潭山文化) is spread across the Dianchi area and the Nanpan River basin, linking it to cultures in Sichuan and Shanxi. The discovery of this site pushes back the timeline of human existence in the Dianchi area to over 30,000 years ago, prompting the Kunming government to protect the site. This discovery is crucial for understanding human origins and the ancient geography, climate, and environment of the region.
Significance
The Longtanshan site has yielded numerous artifacts and fossils that highlight the historical presence of humans in the area. The research conducted here contributes significantly to our understanding of human evolution, the Fourth Period stratigraphy, and the prehistoric environment of Yunnan.
Notable Quotes
- “The discovery of ancient humans and their artifacts pushes back the timeline of human activity in the Dianchi area to over 30,000 years ago.” (人类活动的时间推移至3万多年以前)
- “This site is essential for exploring the origins of modern humans and studying the ancient geography and climate of the region.” (对现代人类起源的探讨及古地理、古气候研究具有重要意义)
Key Features of Longtanshan
- Elevation: 1,941 meters
- Area: 0.3 km (east-west) x 0.4 km (north-south)
- Location: Chenggong District, Kunming City
Archaeological Findings
- Complete human skull (1976)
- Fossils of late Paleolithic humans
- Extensive collection of stone tools and mammal fossils
