Chinese researchers on Thursday unveiled three-dimensional facial reconstructions of the Yunxian Man skull fossils, marking the world's first scientific effort to restore the appearance of human ancestors dating back one million years. The facial reconstruction project, spanning nearly eight years, was a collaborative endeavor involving multiple institutions including the Hubei Provincial Museum, Shanxi University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
A high-resolution industrial scanner was employed to reconstruct the models of the Yunxian Man skull fossils No. 1 and No. 2. Based on these models, the research team used sculpting, painting, and computer imaging to recreate the original appearance of the skulls, with lifelike facial features such as eyes, noses, mouths, ears, skin textures, and hair being rebuilt.
The findings suggest that the skull No. 1 belonged to a female and No. 2 to a male, both aged between 25 and 45, who lived approximately one million years ago.
"After completing the reconstruction, it was immediately clear which one was male and which was female. The most important task was identifying their species—whether they were Homo erectus or early Homo sapiens. Based on the features such as the brow ridge, bridge of nose, cheekbones, and overall facial structure, they are closer to Homo erectus. About 60 percent to 70 percent of their traits are quite primitive," said Professor Feng Xiaobo from the School of History and Culture of Shanxi University.
In 1989, 1990, and 2022, archeological teams discovered three ancient human skull fossils in Yunyang District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, which were later named Yunxian Man skull fossils No.1, No.2, and No.3. They are believed to be the most complete ancient human skulls of their era ever discovered in Eurasia, filling a crucial one-million-year gap in the human evolution timeline from the Yuanmou Man, to the Lantian Man and the Peking Man.
These fossils provide vital evidence for studying the evolution of Homo erectus in East Asia and offer insights into the origins of humans in the region.
"Yunxian Man was at a critical juncture in the emergence and development of humans in Eurasia. These skull fossils provide invaluable evidence for studying the origins of humans in the East. In addition, after the reconstruction, we can compare their key features with those of humans from the same period or earlier and later stages of evolution, which provides significant academic support for research into the history of human evolution," said Wang Xianfu, deputy director of the Hubei Provincial Museum.
China unveils facial reconstruction of million-year-old human fossils
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
