Laolongdong Relics of the Ancient Human Habitation in Eshan County, Yuxi
The Laolongdong Ancient Human Habitation Site (老龙洞古人类居住遗址) is located in Tadian Town (塔甸镇), Eshan Yi Autonomous County (峨山彝族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), about 300 meters north of Tadian Street (塔甸街) on a hillside. The cave faces north, with an entrance over 10 meters high, 20 meters wide, and about 10 meters deep. The site is situated in the southern part of the Central Yunnan Plateau (滇中高原), characterized by karst landforms and lush vegetation around the cave.
History and Culture
The Laolongdong Site (老龙洞遗址) is a cave dwelling from the transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, dating back about 12,000 years. In February 1991, archaeologists unearthed more than ten tools, such as hammering, scraping, and drilling implements, along with horn spades. They also found fossilized teeth from 13 rare animal species, including tapirs, Chinese rhinoceroses, black bears, elephants, sambar deer, macaques, muntjacs, and deer. Among them, tapirs and Chinese rhinoceroses disappeared over 10,000 years ago, confirming that Laolongdong was inhabited by humans around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. This discovery pushed Eshan County’s (峨山县) history back from over 2,000 years to more than 10,000 years and filled a gap in the Paleolithic history of southern Central Yunnan.
Local Customs
Eshan County (峨山县) is a Yi Autonomous County (彝族自治县) rich in Yi ethnic culture, offering strong ethnic customs. Visitors can experience traditional Yi customs, such as the Yi Flower Drum Dance (彝族花鼓舞).
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Eshan County (峨山县) features a subtropical semi-humid plateau monsoon climate with cool winters, and an average temperature between 13°C and 20.7°C. The best time to visit is from March to November when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Times
- Laolongdong Site (老龙洞遗址): Visit the ancient human habitation site and learn about the lifestyle of early humans. Estimated visiting time: about 1 hour.
- Tadian Town (塔甸镇): Experience Yi culture and explore traditional architecture and folk activities. Estimated visiting time: about 2 hours.
- Surrounding Natural Landscapes: Admire karst landforms and lush vegetation, ideal for nature lovers. Estimated visiting time: about 1 hour.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Take a bus from Eshan County (峨山县城) to Tadian Town (塔甸镇), then transfer to local transportation to reach the Laolongdong Site (老龙洞遗址).
- Self-Driving: Depart from Eshan County (峨山县城) and follow the signs to Tadian Town (塔甸镇), then proceed to the Laolongdong Site (老龙洞遗址). The total distance is about 51 kilometers.
Local Food
The region offers a variety of Yi ethnic delicacies, such as Yi-style roasted meat (彝族烤肉) and bamboo tube rice (竹筒饭).
Shopping
Visitors can purchase Yi ethnic handicrafts, embroidery, and other unique souvenirs around the site or in Eshan County (峨山县城).
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses are available in Eshan County (峨山县城), providing convenient access to surrounding attractions.
Travel Tips
- Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00
- Admission: Free
- Notes: Please protect the environment and respect the local culture and customs during your visit.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Day 1: Arrive in Eshan County (峨山县城), check into a hotel, and visit the Laolongdong Site (老龙洞遗址) to learn about ancient human lifestyles.
- Day 2: Explore Tadian Town (塔甸镇), experience Yi culture, and return to the county seat in the afternoon for rest.
- Day 3: Stroll around Eshan County (峨山县城), sample local delicacies, buy special souvenirs, and then return to your point of departure.
The Laolongdong Ancient Human Habitation Site (老龙洞古人类居住遗址) attracts numerous visitors with its rich historical and cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs. Whether exploring traces of early human life or experiencing local ethnic culture, you will feel the distinct charm of this land. We hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to Laolongdong and enjoy an unforgettable journey.
