Abstract:

With the development of fieldwork techniques and research concept, great improvements have been archived in the excavation and record method of Paleolithic archaeology. The excavating method reformed at the Zhoukoudian site in 1930s is significant in the history of Paleolithic excavation in China, which laid solid foundation for Paleolithic excavation and research. In the early the 1990s, archaeological investigations in the Nihewan basin conducted by the Sino-American joint team introduced standardized fieldwork methods and procedures to Paleolithic research in China. In the 21st century, the application of new technologies and concepts helps archaeologists in the country extract information more scientifically and comprehensively. This study is about the excavation history and methodological development at the Zhoukoudian site and sties in the Nihewan basin, by briefly reviewing the changes of the excavating and recording methods. Combined the valuable information from the previous excavations with the current standard of Paleolithic excavation, we take the Donggutuo site as an example to illustrate the general trend of fieldwork methodological development in Paleolithic and advocate establishing a standard excavating and recording system in Paleolithic archaeology of China.

Key words: Paleolithic archaeology, Zhoukoudian site, Nihewan basin, Donggutuo, Excavation, Recording system